DUKE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2014
https://archive.org/details/freewillbaptists99free
The Free Will Baptist
CONTENTS
Editorial 2
Feature 3
Weekly Features
News and Notes 9
Children's Home 10
Foreign Missions 12
Home Missions 12
Sunday School Lesson 13
Family Devotions 13
Volume 99 Number 1
January 4, 1984
Janle Jones Sowers
Editor
Edited and published forty-eight times a year by
the Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811
North Lee Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513-0158.
Second-class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina
(USPS 209-440).
All materials to be placed in any issue must be in
the hands of the editor seven days prior to the
publication date of that issue.
The purpose of this paper is to promote the cause of
Christ among Original Free Will Baptists, and we
reserve the right to refuse any article or news that is
inconsistent with our purpose, programs, or policies,
and that does not reflect a spirit of harmony and
cooperation with the Free Will Baptist Press Foun-
dation and the North Carolina State Convention of
Original Free Will Baptists.
The contents herein do not necessarily reflect the
beliefs or policies of the editor or of The Free Will
Baptist. The responsibility for each article is given
the person whose name appears under the title or to
the person submitting said article.
Items for publication should be addressed to the
Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box 158, Ayden,
North Carolina 28513-0158.
All subscriptions are payable in advance: one
year, $8.84; two years, $16.12; four years, $31.20 (in-
cluding sales tax for North Carolina residents ) ;
residents of other states, $8.50, $15.50 and $30 respec-
tively ( plus sales tax where it applies ) .
Every-Family Plan: A 25 percent discount given
when local churches send the "Baptist" to the home
of every member; names and addresses to be pro-
vided by churches. Churches are billed quarterly.
Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists" are
sent to one individual who in turn distributes these. A
50 percent discount is offered under this plan.
Bookstore Hours: Ayden, Smithfield, and
Whiteville, 9 a.m.— 5 p.m., Monday— Saturday.
New Bern, Wilson, and Kinston, 9:30 a.m.— 5 p.m.,
Monday— Saturday.
Board of Directors
Dewey Boling, President; C. Felton Godwin, Vice
President; Ruth Taylor, Secretary; Adrian Grubbs,
Assistant Secretary; Robert May; Eddie Edwards;
Marlce DeBruhl; James Billy Hardee; De Wayne
Eakes; David W. Hansley, Chairman Emeritus.
Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.: Cliff
Gray, Executive Director; Janie Jones Sowers,
Editor of Literature.
Editorial
Expectations Cause Difficulties
The established church has somewhat stubbornly sur-
vived centuries of change. Of. late, these have taken the form
of a falling away, persecution, and anti-institutionalism.
Rather miraculously, though, it continues to countenance
something which is far more debilitating than any outside
pressure: it is the inside indifference of its own professed
adherents.
This indifference is manifested toward the church, the
layman, and the minister. While many can state— without
hesitation— what they expect from their pastoral family, they
fail to consider what might be expected of them. Then again,
many ministers preach "hot and heavy" about the errors
committed by the members of their congregations— and their
fellow ministers— while they fail to examine their own lives.
Two reasons for this have been suggested: Christians point out
the errors committed by others to keep people from examin-
ing their own lives; or, they have not adequately prepared
themselves for the job at hand— they do not know how to lead
people or to live committed Christian lives.
The seventies provided us with an endless list of "how-to"
literature. We can read and learn how to be a Christian
without being religious, how to pray, how to be Christian
parents, how to be a Christian in show business, how to be a
Christian wife or husband, how to witness, how to ... . The list
for ministers is endless, too; he can discover how to be an ef-
fective administrator, how to be a good pastor, how to
organize his church— life— family— family's affairs, how to
relate to young people, how to counsel, how not to counsel, how
to ... . All of this printed material could easily cause one to
become anxious and guilt-ridden, while he wonders, "Now
what else am I doing wrong?"
The time has come for the "artificial difference" imposed
upon the minister and his family to be put aside. They need to
be freed from the many man-made notions which often dictate
who they are and what they should or should not do in virtually
every area of life. It is also time for the ministerial family to
apply some of the same attitudes they have been trying to
teach others.
For this to happen, several things must take place. We, as
Christians, need to learn to accept ourselves— our own human-
ness, our own needs, our own strengths and weaknesses— at
the same time we must all come to grips with our own impossi-
ble expectations of ourselves. We must acknowledge our own
limitations and come to the realization that we will never be
able to do and be everything that is expected of us. (This is
particularly applicable to those in full-time Christian ser-
vice.) There must also come the understanding that there is a
difference between man's expectations and God's. They are
often thousands of miles apart.
Once we all come to understand these things, we will be
able to grasp the fact that while laymen and pastors have dif-
ferent functions within the Body of Christ, we are called to the
same behavior, commitment and ministry. (Or at least, that is
what the Bible says. )
2
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS
tEIje ^Irusteea, tfye ^bministration,
tlje ^faculty anb % JStubenta
of Jtotm! ©line College
request tt|e Ijonor of your presence at
tl]e (franb ©pentng of
College JJCall
(SoOernor 3)amea ^Hunt, 3(r., speaker
^aturbag, tlje seuentb, of January
nineteen Ijunbreb anb eigljtjj-four
at one o'clock in tfye afternoon
College |$fall
JHount ©Hue, ^Jortb, Carolina
Campus ©pen JHouse ^egms 10:00 A-Jt-
(Suests are requesteb to be aeateb by 12:30 |I.
1:00 p.m.
2:45 p.m.
IE FREE WELL BAPTIST
SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY
10:00 a.m. College Hall and Campus Open House—
Tours Begin
11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Barbecue and Fried Chicken Lunch
Available in Student Center on New
Campus ($3.50 per plate)
Noon College Hall Tours End Until After Pro-
gram
12:30 p.m. Guests are Requested to be Seated in
College Hall. Pre-program Music
Begins
12:45 p.m. Procession: Trustees, Ministers, Faculty,
Special Guests and Governor Hunt
Program in College Hall
College Hall and Campus Tours Resume
COLLEGE HALL—
SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY! I
College Hall is a spirit— a spirit of what is
going on at Mount Olive College.
"It is more than concrete, steel and glass.
It is the embodiment of the character and life
of the College," says Dr. W. Burkette Raper,
president. "I think the building is a factor,
along with the four-year program, in the fact
that we have 50% more applicants this year
than we had last year at this time. It is the
'yeast' to the whole development of the College."
The building can be seen. What isn't visible
are the things that go along with it: the
academic master plan being developed; the
faculty members working for advanced
degrees; the computer laboratory; the 2,000
new books being added to the library each
year; or the professional training the admis-
sions people are receiving.
The facility was designed by Hayes, Howell
and Associates, one of the leading architectural
firms of North Carolina and constructed by
T. A. Loving Company, one of the most
respected contractors in the state. The building
is one that the College will be proud of and one
that the public will respect.
"College Hall will give the Free Will Bap-
tist Church a building it can identify with. The
use of this facility by the Church will help it
build confidence in the future," says Dr.
Raper. "It is the kind of building that lifts your
spirits. It impresses you when you see it and in-
spires you when you enter it."
The facility is believed to be the best sports
arena with the largest seating capacity of any
building within 50 miles of the campus. It is one
of the most complete physical education
facilities of any small college.
The multi-faceted building will serve the
students, the church, the community and the
whole region. It will bring thousands of people
to the campus. In March the Foreign Missions
Board will hold a conference at College Hall.
The State Youth Convention, the State
Woman's Auxiliary Convention, and the North
Carolina State Convention have already
scheduled their 1984 annual meetings on cam-
pus. Also, the Wayne County dinner for the col-
lege will probably be held in College Hall in
1984.
The facility that will mean so much to so
many people was attained by careful planning
and firm commitment. That commitment
began more than five years ago when the gift
support campaign was started.
The groundbreaking took place August 29, \
1982. The actual construction on College Hall
began on October 20, 1982. Ministerial students
who participate in the work study program at
the College were hired by the contractor durin,
those early weeks.
"The contractor, T. A. Loving, needed ex-
tra help. Work was slack here at the College, s
we went over to the construction site for a few!
weeks," remembered Steve Starnes, a youth
minister at Stoney Creek Church. "I remembe
the regular construction workers saying that w
wouldn't be back after the first day because tn
work was so hard."
Starnes, Roger Heath, who is a ministry in
tern at Pine Level Church, and Cecil Black- I
mon, pastor of Long Ridge Church, did go bad*
and finished what they set out to do. They
helped prepare the foundation by digging holes
six feet deep and 10-12 feet wide, with shovels,
for the cement and reinforced steel that would
rest upon 509 piles, each 40 feet deep.
"I was so sore that first day I could hardll
move," said Heath. The soreness left after th!
first few days and the men began to enjoy the !
work. They felt they were a part of College f
Hall.
"I'm glad I could be here and watch from)
start to finish," said Starnes. "As a Free Will 1
Baptist minister, College Hall is important to 1
me."
"I'm kind of proud of the building," added
Blackmon. "To me it was a pleasure. We were'
contributing to the future of Mount Olive Col- \
lege, the people of our church and future
generations in eastern North Carolina."
Mac Yates, project superintendent for T. J
Loving Company, supervised the construction.'
Yates directed the multitude of sub-contracts j
from electricians to the soil treatment for ter- 1
mites. He also solved all of the problems.
"When the hot water tank arrived we had to
take a wall down to get it inside," said Yates. '
"That tank holds 1980 gallons of water."
Work on College Hall was completed
several months ahead of schedule. Yates feels
that the atmosphere of cooperation and
helpfulness contributed to that success.
"The greatest thing I enjoyed was the goo
working relationship between the College, the I
architect, the mechanical engineer and the coil
tractor. The whole key to construction work is
(Continued on Page 15)
4
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS!
- -
HE HONORABLE JAMES B.
HUNT JR., GOVERNOR OF
THE STATE OF
NORTH CAROLINA
THE GRAND OPENING CONVOCATION
Govenor Hunt will be the featured
oeaker during the Grand Opening
eremonies at College Hall on
muary 7, 198^.
LUNCH AT MOUNT OLIVE
COLLEGE ON JANUARY 7
For the benefit of those who
rrive early, we have arranged
nth. Wilber's of Goldsboro for a
Yied Chicken and Barbecue
combination) lunch to be
erved from 11 a.m. -12: 15 p.m.
l the Student Center (a red
rick building located behind
Lodgers Chapel). The cost will
e $3.50, tax and beverage in-
luded.
In order for us to have an
stimate of the number for
fhom to prepare, we ask each
astor (or person whom he
esignates) to advise us by
oon Friday, January 6, the an-
cipated number from his
hurch who wish to have lunch
t the College.
Please write or call, Mrs.
ean Ackiss (919/658-2502),
Eount Olive College, Mount
live, North Carolina 28365.
A SPECIAL WORD
TO MINISTERS
Procession: All ministers, or-
ained or licensed, are invited
3 be in the procession with the
lount Olive College Trustees,
'acuity, and Governor Hunt.
rou are kindly requested to
ssemble in Rodgers Chapel by
2:30 p.m.
"HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
COLLEGE HALL
W. Burkette Raper, President, Presiding
Prelude ( 12 : 30 p.m. ) North Carolina Symphony Brass Quintet
Procession (12:45)
Trumpet Voluntary in D Major Clarke
Trumpet Voluntary Stanley
Rondeau Mouret
Order of Processional
The Faculty and Administration (In order of seniority)
The Ministers of the Original Free Will Baptist Church
The Trustees
President's Party
Presentation of Colors (1:00 p.m.) Seymour Johnson Air Force
Base Color Guard
National Anthem
Scripture Sentence
Invocation Chaplain (Lt. Col.) John B. Narron,
Seymour Johnson Air Force Base
Mount Olive College Concert Choir Carolyn M. Knox, Director
Greetings James B. Hunt Sr. , Chairman, Board of Trustees
Mount Olive College Purpose W. Burkette Raper, President
Alma Mater
Recognition of Special Friends S. Woodrow McCoy, Chairman,
Trustee Development Committee
Presentation of the Building William P. Franklin, Vice President,
T. A. Loving Company
Acceptance James A. Coats, Vice President for Finance
Responses
The Board of Trustees L. Marvin Edwards Jr. ,
Chairman, Finance Committee
The Free Will Baptist Church The Rev. Gary M. Bailey,
President, State Convention
The Faculty Robert T. McEvoy,
Athletic Director
The Students Earl W. Worley Jr. ,
President, Student Government Association
The Community Byron E . Bryan
Mount Olive College Singers Irene S. Patten, Director
Introduction of the Governor Charles O. Whitley, Congressman,
North Carolina Third District
Address The Honorable James B. Hunt Jr. ,
Governor of the State of North Carolina
Hymn: "God of Our Fathers"
Benediction The Rev. De Wayne Eakes,
President, North Carolina Ministerial Association
Recessional
Music Postlude North Carolina Symphony Brass Quintet
YOUR CHAIR IN COLLEGE HALL IS HERE
The chairs for College Hall arrived in a railroad boxcar
Christmas weekend. Their first use will be at the Grand Opening on
January 7. During the week of December 15-21, contributions were
received for forty-five (45) chairs in the amount of $2,250.
Update Through December 21
Chairs Needed 800 ($50 each) $40,000
Gifts to Date 196 9,800
Balance 604 $30,200
A total of 800 chairs is needed for use at conventions, con-
ferences and other church-related events. These chairs, along with
(Turn the Page)
1,250 bleacher seats, will provide seating capacity of more than
2,000 people on the main floor. Several hundred others can be ac-
commodated in the balcony which circles the arena. We hope all of
these seats will be filled on January 7.
Chairs may be contributed by churches, Sunday schools,
Woman's Auxiliaries, Layman's Leagues, Sunday school classes,
families or individuals. The chairs may also be in honor (living) or
in memory (deceased) of persons chosen by the donor.
For the convenience of those who cannot mail their gifts in ad-
vance, our Gift Records Secretary, Mrs. JoAnn Pennington, will
have an office set up in College Hall, on January 7.
Concurrent with the campaign to raise gifts from Free Will
Baptists for the chairs, a drive is underway in the Mount Olive area
to obtain gifts for the bleachers.
A chart of the donors will be placed in the lobby of College Hall
to recognize those who make gifts for seating as well as for the con-
struction of the building.
196 Chairs Through December 21
Number
Donors
oi Chairs
Amount
Piney Grove Church, Greenville (Pitt)
Z
$ 100
Tn T — 1 1 \ .1 ( \ r \ f I ^ , ■ ri »-i i J AT » ■ (- XKI l?i ( Iz 1 1 1 til I? ') ,"\ £J > '
111 riLMlUI UL LJ I . CLILU IVlIO. VV . DUI Kcllc IvcLJLICI
±
50
By Mr. and Mrs. John B. Strickland, Middlesex
In Honor of the Rev. and Mrs. Raymond T. Sasser
1
50
By Mr. and Mrs. John B. Strickland, Middlesex
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas L. Bright, Bladenboro
A
i
zUU
Chaplain Lt. Col. and Mrs. John B. Narron, Goldsboro
o
z
1UU
Friendship Woman's Auxiliary, Middlesex
4
200
Miss Becky Jo Sumner, Ahoskie
1
50
In Honor of Chester H. Pelt
1
50
By Dr. and Mrs. Michael C. Pelt, Mount Olive
In Honor of James B. Pelt
1
ou
By Dr. and Mrs. Michael Pelt, Mount Olive
In Memory of Bobby Peede
1
OU
By Mrs. Ruth Peede, Lucama
In Memory of Livie T. Holland
1
50
By Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Tyndall, Autryville
In Honor of the Rev. and Mrs. C. Felton Godwin
1
50
By the Roy McLamb Family, Newton Grove
In Honor of W. Burkette and Rose M. Raper
1
50
By Sara M. Willoughby, Ahoskie
In Memory of Oscar E. Willoughby
1
50
By Mrs. Oscar E. Willoughby, Ahoskie
The Rev. and Mrs. Raymond T. Sasser, Wilson
o
Z
1 nn
Mrs. Bertha L. Morris, Fremont
1
50
Mr. and Mrs. William N. Brown, Newport News, VA
4
200
Marsh Swamp Woman's Auxiliary, Wilson
1
50
In Honor of Dr. W. Burkette Raper
1
50
By Mr. and Mrs. Bobby W. Ackiss, Goldsboro
In Honor of J. P. Watson
1
50
By the J. P. Watson Sunday School Class
of Saint Mary's Church, Kenly
In Honor of the Rev. and Mrs. Graham Faucette
3
150
In Honor of Mrs. Ruby Narron
In Honor of Mrs. Agnes Wilson
By the Adult Sunday School Class of
Saint Mary's Church, Kenly
In Memory of Ransome Aldridge
1
50
By Mrs. Mary F. Aldridge, Snow Hill
Sound View Woman's Auxiliary, Newport
1
50
In Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Jack J. Dail
1
50
By Mr. Jolly Dail, Winterville
The Rev. and Mrs. C. L. Patrick, Winterville
2
100
Circle Number 3 of Little Rock Church, Lucama
1
50
Rains Cross Roads Woman's Auxiliary, Kenly
2
100
In Memory of Laura Watson
1
50
By J. P. Watson, Kenly
Bethany Church, Winterville
1
50
Totals (December 15 through 21)
45
$2,250
COLLEGE HALL
GROUNDBREAKING \
Over 1,000 friends of the Col,
lege attended the groundbreakj
ing ceremony on August 28
1982. Participating in the actua
"groundbreaking" were: Dr
W. Burkette Raper, president
W. P. Kemp, community re,
presentative ; James B. Hunj
Sr., chairman of the Board o
Trustees; David Charles
Hansley, then president of th<
Free Will Baptist State Conven
tion; and Joe Jones, studen
representative.
The building was the larges
construction project in th«
history of the College. Now tha'
it is finished, a sense of pride U
felt by everyone on campus.
"People can look at tht
building and see something ex
traordinary in it," says Dr
Raper. "College Hall is an out-
ward and visible sign of an in-
ner vitality of the educational
excellence being developed at
Mount Olive College."
6
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
COLLEGE HALL CHANGES
The summer of 1983 found College Hall look-
ng like an empty shell. There was so much more
;o be done. By October 25, the floors were being
aid and the building had the look of something
special.
The evening of the Wayne County dinner
nany visitors had the opportunity to see the
ihanges taking place. These members of Stoney
Dreek Church were interested in the Metal
3alide lights over the gym floor. There are 38
ights which burn brighter the longer they are on
ind are very economical to use. Metal Halide
ights take less current to make them work. Pic-
ured are (1-r) C. Darrell Horne, Gordon Mo-
;ingo, local church chairman for Stoney Creek
I!hurch, and Delbert Scott.
m
r: -
"*>JK*
OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE PURCHASE
OF BLEACHER SEATS
OR CONVENTION CHAIRS
The interior of College Hall glows for the kick-off of the
Bleacher Seat Campaign. Bleacher seats are available for $100
each.
Elwood Goodson, president of the Wayne Home Improvement
Company, presented the first check to M. Henry Garrity, vice
president for development. Five bleacher seats were purchased.
Campaigners from the community, Eva and Delano R. Hill, review
the campaign literature.
Students at Mount Olive College will also have the opportunity
to sell bleacher seats and also to sell convention chairs. The College
announced that $1,000 in scholarships will be awarded in a student
contest.
One $300 scholarship will go to the student who sells the most
bleacher seats and/or convention chairs. Two $100 scholarships
will go to the runners-up. Another $300 scholarship will go to the stu-
dent who raises the most money. Two $100 scholarships will go to
the runners-up. Scholarship money may be applied to tuition, used
to reduce a loan or used to reduce work study hours. The student
contest applies from December 22 to January 19.
rHE FREE WILL BAPTIST
7
The Student Government Association of Mount Olive College
has pledged themselves to a fund raising project during the spring
semester. The SGA has pledged to purchase 10 seats in College Hall
for a total of $1,000. The pledge is to be honored on or before May 11.
Four seats are to honor the 1983-84 Women's Dorm Council and
three seats are to honor the 1983-84 Men's Dorm Council.
With the church, the students and the community pulling
together, the campaigns to sell bleacher seats and convention
chairs should be most successful!
COLLEGE HALL LANDSCAPING SET
Planning the final stages of the landscaping around College Hall are (front row
l-r) W. P. Kemp Sr., Goldsboro; Professor Lorelle Martin, committee chairman;
Rose M. Raper, Mount Olive; Gary Barefoot, college librarian, (back row l-r)
James Coats, VP for Finance; W. P. Kemp Jr., Goldsboro; and Robert Martin, col-
lege buildings and grounds supervisor.
Landscaping has begun around College Hall, the $3 million
athletic-convention center on the Mount Olive College campus.
Lewis Clarke Associates of Raleigh designed the landscape ar-
chitecture plans for the College. During several meetings, the Cam-
pus Beautification Committee discussed and reviewed the land-
scaping plans. The committee members decided that the planting
around College Hall could begin immediately.
We will plant different kinds of plants at the four corners of Col-
lege Hall. These plants will be suitable to that particular environ-
ment," said Professor Lorelle Martin, chairman of the committee.
"We feel that Liriope, Abelia, Acuba, Camellia and Indian
Hawthorne will do best in these areas.
"Plans also include a mixture of Azaleas at the entrance of Col-
lege Hall to achieve long lasting color," added Professor Martin.
When the final landscaping is completed a mixture of plants
and trees will enhance the entire area. Wax Myrtle, Flowering
Pear, Juniper, Magnolia, Willow Oak, Deodora Cedar, River Birch
and Creeping Cotoneaster combined with the attractive College
Hall building will make the Mount Olive College campus a visual
treat.
Committee members serving with Professor Martin are Gary
F. Barefoot, Nathan Hinkle, W. P. Kemp Sr., W. P. Kemp Jr., Rose
M. Raper, Edna M. Scarborough, William M. Mc La whom, James
Coats, M. Hank Garrity and Robert Martin.
(Continued on Page 15)
8
CRAGMONT
ASSEMBLY
NOVEMBER 1983
RECEIPTS
Central Conference
Friendship $
Howell Swamp
Rose Hill Sunday School
Reedy Branch
Second Union
Aspen Grove
Harrell's Chapel
King's Cross Roads
Spring Branch
Willing Workers
Hull Road
Friendship (Walstonburg)
Edgewood
Central Conference
30.0C
100.0C
50.0C
21.0C
12.54
36.5C
36.50
720.5C
350.(X)j
20.00
200.00
25.00
90.00
250.00
Total
$1,942.04
Cape Fear Conference
Catalpa Mission
$
10.00
Saint Mary's Grove
150.00
Saint Paul
50.00
Cape Fear Youth
100.00
Powhatan
200.00
Total
$
510.00
Eastern Conference
Holly Springs
$
250.0C
Fifth Eastern
Sunday School Convention
10.0C
White Oak Grove
100.0C
Pilgrims Rest
5.0C
Third District
Sunday School Convention
20.00
Trent
65.0G
Warsaw, First
50.0C
Total
$
500.00
Western Conference
Mount Zion (Nashville)
$
75.00
Ladd/ Smith Bible Class
Sherron Acres
200.001
Currie Bible Class
Sherron Acres
Little Rock
Friendship
Wilson, First
Milbournie
Pleasant Hill
Sherron Acres
St. Mary's
Thurman West Class
St. Mary's
Union Grove
Watson's Grove
Total
Others
North Carolina
Woman's Auxiliary
Celia Hart Garris
Ladies Auxiliary
First, St. Cloud, Florida
Adult Bible Class
Cragmont Club
Conference and Retreat
Miscellaneous
Store
Total
Grand Total
125.00}
44.50
44.50
500.00
37.50*
100.001
175.00^
250.001
63.92
25.00
50.00
$ 1,690.42
$ 6,815.1'
15.(K
5.0(
50.(X
1,471.(K
4,888.3!
293.71
1,648.8!
$15,187.4*
(Continued on Page 15)
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
[News 81 Notes
n Old Fashioned
hanks giving at Faith Church
The Woman's Auxiliary of
r'aith Church of Leland had an
ild fashioned Thanksgiving.
?he ladies dressed up in
tilgrim dresses. Then the
adies put on a Thanksgiving
>rogram. The event took place
>n November 23 at 7:30 p.m.
After the program everyone
vent downstairs for a
?hanksgiving dinner. The
>astor also had a surprise
)irthday party along with the
rhanksgiving dinner.
The men also dressed in
eans. There was a wonderful
ime of fellowshiping.
leavenbound to Perform
The gospel group, Heaven-
>ound, will perform at Sidney
Church on Friday, January 6.
[*he time of the services is 7:30
).m.
The highly successful group
has produced such hits as "I
Know My God Can Do It," "We
Are Those Children," and the
1982 song of the year in gospel
music , ' ' Cannonland Is Just in
Sight."
The members, Jeff Gibson,
Allen Ham, Ken Eubanks, and
Lawrence Taylor, hail from the
Kinston area.
Sidney Church is located just
off Highway 92, 6 miles west of
Belhaven. The church extends
a very special welcome to
everyone to enjoy spirit-filled
gospel music.
Cape Fear Youth
Fellowship Review
The Cape Fear Youth Rally
met at the First Church of
Goldsboro, on December 3,
1983. Both attendance banners
were given to Shady Grove with
24 youth and 27 overall. There
were 184 people present at the
rally.
Mrs. Edna Fowler held the
installation of officers for 1984.
Each church should hold
its local talent show in
January. The winners from
each church will be in the Cape
Fear Youth Rally talent show
in February.
The next meeting will be held
at Faith Church, near Four
Oaks, January 7, 1984, at 7:30
p.m.
PRINCETON MISSION
DOING WELL
The Cape Fear Missions
Board is very proud to an-
nounce that the Princeton Mis-
sion has begun, and the pastor,
the Rev. Floyd Smith, is very
excited about the new work
there. It currently is averaging
approximately 12 people each
Sunday.
The Princeton Mission will be
holding a revival on January
9-13 with the Rev. T. C. Farmer
as the evangelist. Everyone is
cordially invited to these ser-
vices, at which Mr. Smith will
be formally installed as the
missionary for the work at
Princeton. The installation will
be carried out during the eve-
ning worship service on Friday
night.
The Princeton Mission is sup-
ported by the State Home Mis-
sions Board; therefore, any
money to help this work should
be earmarked Princeton Mis-
sion. Money can be sent to
either the Home Missions
Board or to Mr. H. T. Hinson,
secretary of the Cape Fear Con-
ference.
With the mission just under
way, it needs prayers, money
and time of the people. The
Cape Fear Missions Board is
asking that everyone help this
mission work.
The Cape F§ar Missions
Board has two new members
this year, the Revs. Dean Ken-
nedy and Ted Bryant. The
board is excited about this work
and hope that many souls will
be added to the Kingdom of God
and that other missions can be
started in the near future.
NOTICE
The Eastern Conference
Ordaining Council will meet
January 9, 1984, at Bridgeton
Free Will Baptist Church,
Bridgeton, at 10 a.m. Anyone
having business with the coun-
cil is asked to come at this time.
Francis Garner, Secretary
im FREE WILL BAPTIST
9
Children's Home
WOODMEN OF THE WORLD PARTY
The Foster children really know how to get "close to Santa's heart!"
The Woodmen of the World Christmas party is an event that the
youth and staff of the Children's Home look forward to each year
during the Christmas season. Again, this Christmas, the Woodmen
have brought excitement and happiness to the Home in a warm
spirit of sharing. What did they share . . .? They shared toys and
gifts for the youth and children to enjoy, each chosen specially with
the particular needs of each child in mind. They shared cash gifts to
be used by each child at his or her own holiday discretion. But of all
that was given, the best gift was the gift of themselves . . . their
time, their genuine concern, and their pleasure in being with the
children.
There was someone else who had a similar attitude. He gave
his time (about thirty-three years) . . . His genuine concern (as
displayed overlooking Jerusalem and at Gethsemane) . . . and ex-
pressed His pleasure in being with His children (John 1:11, 12).
What is Christmas really all about anyway?
Canteen assistants prepare for ac-
tivities in the canteen.
10
A little "clowning around" at the
Woodmen of the World Christmas pan
ty.
Children at play.
The tension mounts in an aggressive
game of football.
ACTIVmES, ETC.
Winter time never seems tc|
slow down our children. Even
on the worst of days, there is
always something to do. Ouii
campus canteen is used year
around, but winter time brings;
boisterous games of football,!
air hockey and other table
games. There is something fori
everyone. Even with modern!
heating facilities, the fireplace!
always provides a cozy meeting1
place. It provides the right
relaxing atmosphere for school;
gossip and sharing past fun ex-1
periences. Not all days warrant
inside activities, so progressive
games of basketball and touch
football are a favorite pastime.
After a hearty game the
children enjoy a refreshing!
snack or a meal. Free Will Bap
tist Children's Home is always
alive with the sounds of active
happy children.
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
SCENES FROM THE COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS SERVICE
Our children sing of that wonderful night . . .
One of our most recent proj-
scts on campus was the opening
>f Parker House for our In-
lependent Living Program.
i\nir girls, from 15 to 19 years
•Id, with a supervisor, will be
esiding in the lovely home,
^he girls were excited and anx-
ous to accept their new
hallenges.
We are always striving to
iuild a quality Child Care Pro-
jam. Through your prayers
,nd support we are able to con-
inue extending the open arms
if Jesus to our children.
PLEASANT GROVE YFA
VISITS CAMPUS
Pleasant Grove YFA
On December 11, 1983,
^emuel and Glenda Hood,
eaders of the YFA at Pleasant
Jrove Church, Wayne County,
ind members of the YFA
risited and toured the
Children's Home. They
•resented the Executive Direc-
or, Bobby R. Taylor, with
hree checks for the Home ; one
or $1,150, the church's
thanksgiving offering, $50
rom the C. S. Hinnant Sunday
chool class, and $50 raised by
he YFA. After the tour, they
njoyed refreshments and
ellowship. We thank them for
heir interest in the ministry of
Child Care.
IHE FREE WILL BAPTIST
Our community Christmas service
was preceded by a delicious meal from
Parker's Barbecue.
Children . . . bright candles in a dark
world.
1977 PLYMOUTH DONATED
Recently Mr. Willie Bundy, who attends Saints Delight Free
Will Baptist Church, Bridge ton, North Carolina, donated to the
Children's Home a 1977 Plymouth. We wish to take this opportunity
to express our sincere thanks to Mr. Bundy for his gift. Mr. Bundy
is owner and operator of Willie Bundy Plumbing Company of New
Bern, North Carolina. The Rev. Noah Brown is pastor of Saints
Delight Free Will Baptist Church.
11
Foreign Missions!
DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE PHILIPPINES
Palawan Bible Institute sets aside one day each trimester for a
day of prayer. So on October 26, 1983, all classes were suspended
and the day was given to prayer and worship by the faculty, staff
and student body.
The direct commands in Scripture and the current events here
led us to designate the theme for the day as "Day of Prayer for the
Philippines. ' ' The theme verse for the day was 2 Chronicles 7 : 14 : 7/
my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves,
and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then
I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal
their land. Prayer was concentrated upon three main areas of need
as seen in the following prayer agenda that was used.
♦PRAYER NEEDS*
I. The LOST people of the Philippines (Psalm 2:8).
1. Those who have never heard of Jesus.
2. Those who have never received Jesus as Saviour and Lord.
3. Those who are living in bondage to superstition and fear.
4. Those who are deceived by the cults and false teachers.
5. Those who have come to Christ but have turned back.
II. The LABORERS to work in the harvest of the Philippines
(Matthew 9:37, 38).
1. Pastors
2. Bible Women
3. Evangelists
4. Missionaries
5. Bible institutes, colleges and seminaries to train these workers.
III. The LEADERS of the Philippines (1 Timothy 2:1, 2: Romans 13:1, 2).
1. The President and the First Family
2. The Opposition Leaders
3. All Government Officials
4. All Evangelical Church Leaders
12
There was also plannec
special singing and two specia
speakers for the day. As wt
spent the day with the Lord ii
worship and prayer, our heart;
were blessed and encouraged
We know God is in control an<j
that He does all things well.
These things are shareq
with you as current news. Buj
more important, they ar<i
shared to encourage, ask am;
even plead with you as a chile]
of God to follow the abov<i
prayer agenda in praying foi|
God's ministry here among thf:
Filipino people. We must worl|
while it is yet day in the Philipj
pines, for the night is coming
when no man shall work (Johij
9:4).
Thank you in advance foi|
your faithfulness in praying
and may God richly bless you.j
Serving Christ|
The Baker Family
Fred, Lindej
Kim and Steviif
YOUTH NEEDED FOR
SUMMER MINISTRY
The Home Missions Depart
ment needs four young peopl
over 18 years of age to d
volunteer work with thij
H'mong people in California
this summer.
These must be dedicate*
youth who desire to share i
strong faith in Christ with the]
young people of the H'mong.
If interested please contacj
the Rev. Charles Crisp, P. 0
Box 38, Ayden, North Caroling
28513; or phone 746-4963.
CENTRAL CONFERENCE
ORDAINING COUNCIL
TO MEET
The Ordaining Council of th(
Central Conference will meet a
10 a.m. on January 9, 1984, a
First Church, Greenville
Anyone wishing to meet witt
the Council, should call tht
Rev. Harry Grubbs at 756-8585
or 756-6600 for an appointment.
Harry Grubbi
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
Sunday School LessorJ
Tor January 8
SONG OF THE VINEYARD
wesson Text: Isaiah 5:1-7
Memory Verse: Jeremiah 2:21
No prophet has spoken more clearly about
he grace of God than Isaiah. We had an example
n our last lesson: "Though your sins be as
icarlet, they shall be as white as snow" (1:18).
[Tie evildoers would not cleanse themselves
nerely by shaping up and cleaning up their act.
^eansing would come through God's mercy,
lowever, even this could be rejected. "If ye be
villing and obedient* ' ( 1 : 19 ) —that was the condi-
ion.
It is through grace that the transforming
>ower of God is offered, and through faith salva-
ion is wrought (Ephesians 2:8). This is true for
hose who accept God's gracious offer. The
>eneficiary is not the innocent, not one who has
nerited salvation. Rather, it is the undeserving,
he sinner, to whom the grace of God is extended.
\nd the invitation goes out to all: "Come . . .
vhosoever will, let him take the water of life
reely" (Revelation 22:17).
But this act of grace, this salvation freely
jiven, is not complete unless it results in works
>f righteousness. James appropriately asks,
'What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man
;ay he hath faith, and have not works? can faith
only] save him? . . . faith, if it hath not works, is
lead, being alone" (James 2: 14, 17). Paul makes
lear that salvation is not a reward for work done
Ephesians 2:8, 9). Yet he hastens to add, "We
ire God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to
levote ourselves to the good deeds for which God
tas designed us" (v. 10, The New English Bible).
In today's text Isaiah uses the figure of a
ineyard to describe Judah's relationship to
Jod. Grapevines are not merely ornamental;
hey are for fruit-bearing. As we shall see, God
Doked for the fruit of good works in Judah and
/as disappointed. What does He see when He
Doks at us? This is the essence of today's lesson
rom God's Word.
Isaiah is in the forefront of those who
ecognize the mercy of God. At the same time, no
ne is more vehement than he in giving warning
f what will happen when people despise that
tiercy. God desires to bless, but those who spurn
lis grace, mock at repentance, and persist in
heir own wickedness, cannot do so with impuni-
y. The wrath of God against evil is just as cer-
ain as His mercy for the sinner who turns to
lim.
Isaiah was acutely aware of this truth. Con-
equently, although in our text he begins his
lessage with the beautiful Song of the Vineyard,
e must end it with a terrible pronouncement of
"HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
judgment. The real message, therefore, is one of
doom. It is a theme we do not like to think about
but since it is a very real possibility, we dare not
neglect it.
We do not know the immediate occasion
when this message was given. Perhaps it was
during the time of the Feast of Tabernacles, or
the Feast of Ingathering, as it was also called.
This was a time of rejoicing (Deuteronomy
16:14), a kind of harvest festival. Jerusalem
would be filled with worshipers. And on this hap-
py occasion songs and folk ballads were
popular. It is altogether possible that Isaiah
recited the words of our text on such an occasion,
when a large crowd of merrymakers would be
assembled. "I want to sing you a song," he says,
and gets their rapt attention. The reaction would
have an immediate rejection if he had said, "I
have a message of doom"! So the message
begins with the happy strain of an idyllic poem,
but quickly a note of great disappointment is
sounded in a minor key. This, in turn, is followed
by a recital of sad consequences, and on this sor-
rowful note the message ends. It is, therefore, a
love song with a sad ending — Standard Lesson
Commentary
Family Devotions
SUNDAY, g
JANUARY
Scripture Reading— Genesis 22-24
LEAVE IT TO GOD
Does the path seem rough and steep?
Leave it to God.
Do you sow, but fail to reap?
Leave it to God.
Yield to Him your human will,
Listen humbly and be still,
Love divine your mind can fill,
Leave it to God
// in doubt just what to do,
Leave it to God.
He will make it plain to you,
Leave it to God.
Serve Him faithfully today,
He will guide you all the way,
Simply trust Him, watch and pray,
Leave it to God.
MONDAY, q
JANUARY ^
Scripture Reading -Genesis 25-27
O LORD, IF IT IS NOT TOO LATE
Years ago a unique character was converted
in the Water Street Mission in New York. It was
"the Old Colonel." Through drink he had sunk
very low. At the time of his conversion he was
(Turn the Page)
13
sixty years old. He looked as if he were one hun-
dred. He looked more like an animal than a
human being. He was clothed in rags. The over-
coat he wore was fastened with a nail. He was a
caricature of the man he had been— a college
graduate and a brilliant law student in the office
of E. M. Slanton, Lincoln's Secretary of War. On
the night of his conversion, he cried, "O Lord, if
it is not too late, forgive and save this poor old
sinner! " God heard the cry of his heart. He was
gloriously saved. God vouchsafed His promise to
him : "And I will restore to you the years that the
locust hath eaten" (Joel 2:25).
From a path as dark as night,
Into glorious gospel Light —
With a heart made pure and white,
Into Victory.
TUESDAY, 10
JANUARY
Scripture Beading— Genesis 28-30
SIR, I'M THAT MAN!
A young minister spoke one Sunday night in
Whitefield's Tabernacle. "There may be
someone in my audience who is drink-ridden,
lust-sodden, demon-posessed. If such is present,
Christ can instantly save you!" An incident oc-
curred at that moment which electrified the
minister and the large audience. A man rose and
said, "Sir, I am that man! I am drink-ridden,
lust-sodden, demon-possessed! Is there any hope
for me? Can your Christ save me?" The minister
answered, "Yes, He can! God's promise is sure:
'Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of
the earth.' " That humanly hopeless and helpless
man came to Christ.
"Old things . . . passed away;
new!"
all things . . . [became J
11
WEDNESDAY,
JANUARY
Scripture Reading— Genesis 31-33
TRANSFORMED BY GRACE DIVINE
In speaking of the transforming power of
God, Dr. Lawes, who labored for God in New
Guinea, said, "I have heard savages pray. They
had tattooed marks on their chests which in-
dicated that they were murderers. I have heard
them pouring out their prayers to God as
children holding converse with their Father. I
knew that they were indwelt by the Spirit of God,
and had been taught by the Spirit. The outward
marks of their former lives of depravity and
cruelty still remained, but I knew they were now
new creatures in Christ Jesus, 'transformed by
grace divine!' "
Trust God's wisdom to guide.
Trust His goodness to provide;
Trust His saving love and power,
Trust Him every day and hour;
Trust Him as the only light,
Trust Him in the darkest night.
THURSDAY,
JANUARY
Scripture Reading -Genesis 34-36
HITHERTO
When our soul is much discouraged
By the roughness of the way,
And the cross we have to carry
Seems heavier each day,
When some cloud that overshadows
Hides our Father's face from view,
Oh, 'tis well then to remember,
He hath blessed us hitherto.
Surely then our souls should trust Him,
Though the clouds be dark o'erhead;
We've a Friend that draweth closer
When our other friends have fled.
When our pilgrimage is over,
And the gates we're sweeping through,
We shall see with clearer vision
How He's blest us hitherto.
FRIDAY,
JANUARY
13
Scripture Reading— Genesis 37-39 ,
HELP OF THE HELPLESS
When Dr. P. W. Philpott was pastor of theti
Moody Church, Chicago, a young man came tojj
his office and told him what had happened on thai
preceding Sunday. He said, "My mother and If
were sitting in Lincoln Park. As we started totj
leave, my attention was caught by the electricijj
sign bearing the words, 'Moody Memorial;!
Church.' I said to my mother, 'I would like to gof
to that church.' As we entered the church, aj
large congregation was singing. You preached aji
sermon on 'Hope.' As I sat there, you had no ideal
that I was a dope addict, bound by a chain I could!
not break, and getting more discouraged about
myself all the time. Then, suddenly, you reached
a point in your sermon where you said, "Jesus
Christ can put hope into a hopeless heart. With
Him there are no hopeless cases!' Then and
there I opened my heart to Christ. I took Him by)
faith as my Saviour. When I got outside, 1
stepped over to a drain on Clark Street and
dropped my drugs and equipment down through
the iron grating."
From a life of sin and shame,
Itito joy and peace 1 came,
Through the power of Jesus' name,
Into Victory!
14
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
SATURDAY,
14
rANUARY
cripture Reading- Genesis 40-42
SERMON AVERTS
SELF-DE STRUCTION
God gives to His servants,
•om time to time, positive
roof that His Word is "quick
nd powerful." The following
icident illustrates this. A
oung lady was present in a
unday-morning service when I
'as pastor in Chicago. Before
le service, she asked for Dr.
hil Marquart, a Christian
sychiatrist, who was a deacon
1 my church. He was away,
peaking in another church,
he young lady, obviously
nder great stress, expressed
ome disappointment, but
tayed for the morning service.
prayed that God would give
le a message for that dis-
'essed soul. I spoke of the heal-
lg power of the great Physi-
ian, Jesus. I emphasized the
ict that utter trust in His won-
rous care is the unfailing
smedy for taut, overwrought
erves and sin-sick hearts. At
le close of the service, I had
rayer and a long talk with her.
he returned for the night ser-
ice. At the close of the service,
tie joyfully said to me, "I came
) Chicago today from St. Louis
rith the fixed purpose of ending
ly wretched life in Lake
lichigan. God, in mercy, put
our two messages today
cross my dark, downward
'ay!"
The future of the building in-
cludes the opening of the Mount
Olive College Sports Club. The
College hopes to open up
membership in the summer of
1984. Facilities will include the
weight room, handball/rac-
quetball courts, tennis, the in-
door running track, gymnastic
room, and locker room facil-
ities.
Five weeks of summer sports
camps are planned. There will
be two weeks of boy's basket-
ball, both day and boarding
camps, a co-ed all sports camp,
a girl's basketball camp and a
boy's baseball camp. "There
will be a tremendous amount of
activity over here during the
summer months," promised
Bob McEvoy, the athletic direc-
tor.
College Hall is large enough
for commencements, convoca-
tions and special occasions
which bring together the stu-
dent body, parents, trustees
and interested friends of the
College.
"The potential positive im-
pact to the church and the
Mount Olive area is beyond
the awareness of most people.
What we have here is a facility
that will probably outlive any of
the people who had a part in
making it possible," com-
mented Dr. Raper. "That is
okay because College Hall will
continue to serve future
generations as a universal
building. Academics, athletics,
student life, religious life, civic,
recreation, community and
church relations will all come
together in it."
CRAGMONT ASSEMBLY
(Continued from Page 8)
Disbursements
Salaries
$ 3,771.13
Utilities
566.03
Food
1,897.43
Sundry Supplies
170.61
Office
531.46
Store
113.56
Taxes
758.56
Insurance
148.20
Maintenance and Repair
722.63
Gas Account
184.70
Mileage and Travel
690.90
Miscellaneous
10,370.32
Total
$19,925.53
Miscellaneous Disbursements
Transfer of Funds
$10,000.00
Transportation Group
175.00
Repay Petty Cash
80.32
Property Appraisal
115.00
Total
$10,370.32
SINGERS TO PARTICIPATE
Yielding to disdain can destroy us,
isdaining to yield can delight us.
Portions selected from Knight's Treasury of 11-
strations. Walter B. Knight.
FEATURE
(Continued from Page 4)
jooperation between every-
me— like a family." Yates
idded, "I'm interested in a
;hild getting a good education.
Since I've .been working here
i've been real impressed with
he College and what they're
ioing."
rHE FREE WILL BAPTIST
As part of the Grand Opening, two music groups from the Col-
lege will perform. The Mount Olive Concert Choir, under the direc-
tion of Carolyn Knox, will sing "All Good gifts," "Ave Verum Cor-
pus" and "The Old One Hundredth Psalm Tune."
The Mount Olive College Singers, under the direction of Irene
S. Patten, will sing "God Bless America," "This Is a Great Coun-
try," "This Is My Country," "I Like Calling North Carolina
Home."
15
Call (919) 746-6128 Today! Don't Wait!
Please consider this your invitation to
Ayden Bible and Bookstore's upcoming
Mini-Music Festival. This extraordinary
music event will be held on Monday,
January 16, 1984, in the Multi-purpose
Room, located in the Bookstore facility.
This music festival will begin at 7:03 p.m.,
and will run about two hours. Let us help
you with your endless search for new music
material. Come and be a part of this in-
novative and enriching experience.
Adult choir directors, youth choir directors,
children's choir directors, accompanists,
soloists, and YOU! Please, no more than
three participants per church.
This music festival costs $15 per person.
This registration fee is non-refundable.
(Registration is limited, so do not wait to
the last minute.)
16
• Maximum of three people from one church
• $15 per person
• All registrants will receive a Spring!
Festival Packet.
• Send your registration to:
Ayden Bible and Bookstore
Box 158
Ayden, NC 28513-0158
• There were still a few openings at press.
time. Call today— if interested.
Each registrant will receive a free music
packet of recent publications worth
over $35.
Ayden Bible and Bookstore will provide,
discounts on selected materials during
the festival.
At least fifteen NEW titles from Singspira
tion will be discussed and "demon
strated" by our clinician, Larry White.
Ayden Bible and Bookstore will provide re
freshments after the two-hour session
at which time you will have an op
portunity to talk with Mr. White as well
as acquaint yourself with other choii
and music directors.
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1]
The REAL church is
outside the four walls.
FreeWill
Baptist
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 1984, AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA
The Free Will Baptist
CONTENTS
Editorial 2
Feature 3
Weekly Features
News and Notes 7
Mount Olive College 8
Foreign Missions 10
Children's Home 11
Family Devotions 12
Sunday School Lesson 14
The Church Looks at Divorce 5
Volume 99 Number 2
January 11. 1984
Janle Jones Sowers
Editor
Edited and published forty-eight times a year by
the Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811
North Lee Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513-0158.
Second-class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina
(USPS 209-440).
All materials to be placed in any issue must be in
the hands of the editor seven days prior to the
publication date of that issue.
The purpose of this paper is to promote the cause of
Christ among Original Free Will Baptists, and we
reserve the right to refuse any article or news that is
inconsistent with our purpose, programs, or policies,
and that does not reflect a spirit of harmony and
cooperation with the Free Will Baptist Press Foun-
dation and the North Carolina State Convention of
Original Free Will Baptists.
The contents herein do not necessarily reflect the
beliefs or policies of the editor or of The Free Will
Baptist. The responsibility for each article is given
the person whose name appears under the title or to
the person submitting said article.
Items for publication should be addressed to the
Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box 158, Ayden,
North Carolina 28513-0158.
All subscriptions are payable in advance: one
year, $8.84; two years, $16.12; four years, $31.20 (in-
cluding sales tax for North Carolina residents);
residents of other states, $8.50, $15.50 and $30 respec-
tively (plus sales tax where it applies).
Every-Family Plan: A 25 percent discount given
when local churches send the "Baptist" to the home
of every member; names and addresses to be pro-
vided by churches. Churches are billed quarterly.
Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists" are
sent to one individual who in turn distributes these. A
50 percent discount is offered under this plan.
Bookstore Hours: Ayden, Smithfield, and
Whiteville, 9 a.m.— 5 p.m., Monday— Saturday.
New Bern, Wilson, and Kinston, 9:30 a.m.— 5 p.m.,
Monday — Saturday.
Board of Directors
Dewey Boling, President; C. Felton Godwin, Vice
President; Ruth Taylor, Secretary; Adrian Grubbs,
Assistant Secretary; Robert May; Eddie Edwarde;
Marice DeBruhl; James Billy Hardee; De Wayne
Eakes; David W. Hansley, Chairman Emeritus.
Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.: Cliff
Gray, Executive Director; Janie Jones Sowers,
Editor of Literature.
Editorial
Rose Petals or Thorns?
His had been a ministry of solid, steady and loving ser-
vice; and he was truly one "sent by God." He grew with the
challenges of each church's needs, and as he led his people in
spiritual growth, he himself became a spiritual giant.
He was not one to make loud noises. His calm manner
belied a disarming personality and a depth of maturity— a j|
depth which was discovered anew each time there was an op- jl
portunity to be with him. This servant gave all he had to his J
family, his church, and his Lord. And all who knew him knew
this was not an empty eulogy— merely fact.
However, he, too, suffered his share of pain and heart- ||
ache. Some disturbing things happened at one of his i
pastorates. Instead of going to him at the outset, church ;
members only stood by and watched. They could have helped
to eliminate the problem— but they didn't. The resulting heart- i
aches— and unnecessary problems— hurt this minister tre-
mendously, but he refused to let his pain stand in the way of a I
continuing, Spirit-motivated ministry. Those who had I
wronged this pastor made no attempt to seek reconciliation i
and forgiveness. No matter, he continued to serve them with jl
love.
This experience did take its toll. His wife saw a noticeable
change in him, a change that accompanied him to a new J
pastorate he accepted several years later. And this trauma he I
had suffered was said to have attributed to his early demise. ji
(Yes, those who had troubled this minister attended his j
funeral. They also sent roses to the service— but those roses J|
were about five years too late. How that man had waited for
"roses" of a renewed friendship, a revitalized love, a
thoughtful act, "roses" of life that would bring happiness and
joy. Not roses that were cut, like a severed relationship, left (i
merely to wither and die on a casket. ) j
Recent surveys have revealed an unusually high degree of j
restlessness within the clergy. The average length of time a j
minister spends in a given pastorate is between three and five |
years. Studies indicate that short-term pastorates such as
these are not effective. It takes at least that long to get to know
the members of a congregation and the community. j
Some feel the reason for short pastorates to be a gap be- t
tween laity and clergy— a gap due, in large measure, to a lack j
of concern, courtesy, and etiquette on the part of lay people. I
can't say whether these reasons "hold water." I am con- j
cerned, though, when I realize that 25% of all ordained
ministers move annually— that is well over 100 ministers a
day. Some religious leaders feel these figures are too low;
they say one-third would be a more accurate figure— that's \
nearly 200 ministers moving every day of every year!
As we continue to look at the relationship between the
minister and layman, it is hoped that we will all be drawn
closer together in our shared pilgrimage. And some day we
may all be presented a bit more "faultless before the presence
of His glory with exceeding joy. ' '
2
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
6 STEPS TO EFFECTIVE
DISCIPLE MAKING
Part One
(Used by permission of Pulpit Digest, P.O. Box 5199,
Jackson, Mississippi 39216. )
Some of the most receptive people in your
immunity are the people in each church
ember's "Extended Family." These are the
iends, relatives, and associates of church
embers who are presently outside of Christ
id a church. Helping laity identify and reach
ese "Extended Family" members is the key
unlocking new growth potential in your
lurch.
One of the most important steps in
aching friends and relatives in your "Ex-
nded Family" will be developing an ap-
opriate and effective strategy for introducing
ose people to Christ and his Body. Here are
me key insights that will help you develop an
Eective plan to communicate God's love to
ch person in your Extended Family.
1. Caring. Your most important role as a
tness to the people in your Extended Family
personifying Christ's love. Here is a major
inciple in effective disciple-making: "God's
ve is best seen and experienced by others
rough your love."
Look at the burden-lifting implications of
is concept! The traditional requirements of a
;ood witness" (verbal fluency . . . extrover-
'e personality . . . tenacity . . . ) become less
lportant in an effective witness than simply
ing an open channel through which God's
ve can be expressed and experienced by
ose in your Extended Family. Think of it . . .
u become the channel for God's love! Ex-
:ing? Yes! Possible? Absolutely!
God's great love for these potential
>ciples, and His desire to express that love, is
an throughout Scripture. As He first loved us,
i express our love for Him through loving
tiers.
"For I was hungry and you fed me; I was
irsty and you gave me water; I was a
"anger and you invited me into your home ;
.ked and you clothed me; sick and in prison,
d you visited me. Then these righteous ones
11 reply, 'Sir, when did we ever see you
ngry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you
ything to drink? Or a stranger, and help
u? Or naked, and clothe you? When did we
er see you sick or in prison and visit you?'
id I, the King, will tell them, 'When you
d it to these my brothers, you were doing it to
e.' "
Scripture graphically illustrates what love
for Christ entails. It is a basic, down-to-earth
involvement with people in need. The response
is to be personal . . . the response is to be car-
ing. The people in your Extended Family may
not require clothing, food, or water. But they
do have real needs. Responding to the void of
loneliness, frustration, or despair demands a
personal investment of genuine caring.
David Augsburger, in his book Caring
Enough to Confront, observes that caring peo-
ple "... dare to be present with people . . . and
to stand with people where they are hurting.
Caring people look for the opportunity of af-
firming, or encouraging, or helping release
others to become all they can be in Christ."
Unconditional caring is a reflection of
God's unswerving and unrelenting love. If a
friend were to say, "I don't want anything to do
with your religion," should your caring be any
less than before? Do you think God's love is
any less for those who reject Him? If anything,
God's concern is even greater. How many peo-
ple have once rejected His love and then later,
perhaps in a time of need, responded and are
now active reproducing Christians? Caring
must be genuine and unconditional, and not de-
pend on how the person responds to spiritual
overtures.
"Unfortunately," observes Paul Little in
his book How to Give Away Your Faith, "many
non-Christians today are suspicious of all Chris-
tians because of a previous contact with a
'friendly' religious person who had ulterior
motives. Some non-Christians refuse to listen to
a single word about our Lord until they're sure
we'll be their friends, even if they reject Jesus
Christ. We must love each person for himself."
Christ wants His lost children found. We should
not take it upon ourselves to close the door on
the relationship that God has ( through us ) with
these Extended Family members. Caring must
be genuine, long-term, and unconditional.
2. Strengthening relationship. Your
disciple-making effectiveness is enhanced
where strong relationships exist with members
of your Extended Family. The Apostle John
writes, "Dear friends, let us practice loving
(Turn the Page)
:-IE FREE WILL BAPTIST
3
each other, for love comes from God and those
who are loving and kind show that they are the
children of God."
What person does not enjoy the companion-
ship of a loving, caring friend! A strong and
growing relationship between you and your Ex-
tended Family member contributes im-
measurably to allowing the Holy Spirit to speak
to that person.
In The Friendship Factor, McGinnis says,
"It is no accident that so many important en-
counters occurred between Jesus and His
friends when they were at the table. There is
something almost sacramental about breaking
bread with one another. ' ' Invite your friend to
attend a special event that you both will enjoy.
Drop by his/her home with something from
your garden, workshop, or flowerbed. Perhaps
you could make it a point to have lunch once a
week with a person in your Extended Family,
or seek him/her out for a coffee break conver-
sation. Do you know of any special needs your
friend has mentioned which could be a point of
relationship building, such as helping lay a
brick walk, hanging drapes, or painting the
house? Strong friendships come with shared ex-
perience. Working shoulder to shoulder
strengthens a relationship even when few
words are spoken.
As your relationship grows, expect your
Extended Family member to also respond to
your needs and reciprocate in caring ini-
tiatives. Friendship is not a one-way affair. The
close relationship will be as meaningful to you
as to your Extended Family member. The joy
and fulfillment which comes from being with
4
friends and giving of yourself is one of the emo-
tional highlights of life. Enjoy it!
A helpful research study shows the impor-
tance of friendship in the process of becoming I
a new disciple. The study, reported in
CHURCH GROWTH: AMERICA, identified 240
new Christians presently active and involved in
their churches. In addition, a second group of
240 people were identified who could be
classified as "drop-outs" (they had made a re-
cent decision but had since lapsed into inactivi-
ty). A third group of 240 people were identified
who had been presented with the gospel
message but had chosen not to make a positive
decision. In individual interviews with these 720
people, each was asked to classify the person
who had presented the gospel into one of three
categories: "Friend," "Salesman," or
"Teacher." The results provided some startling
conclusions : The people who saw the church
members as "friend" were almost all now
Christians and active in their churches (94% ) .
On the other hand, those people who saw the
church member as a "salesman" often made
an initial decision, but soon dropped out in
large numbers (71% later dropped out). Final-
ly, those who saw the church member as a
"teacher" generally tended to not respond at
all (84% said "no thanks"). The implications
are clear. The non-Christian person who
perceives your relationship as one of a
"friend" is far more likely to eventually re-
spond to Christ's love than the person who sees
you either as a "teacher" instructing on doc-
trine, sin, and morality; or as a "salesman"
manipulating toward an eventual decision.
Your greatest resource in developing a
meaningful and caring friendship is in simply
being yourself —natural and unmasked. The
phrase "I'm not perfect, just forgiven" reflects'
a healthy attitude in recognizing the shortcom- I
ings each person has. The unique benefit of the
Christian life is in the strength and support
from a source greater than ourselves. When
your Extended Family member understands
this simple truth, it may change his/her entire
attitude toward faith and life in Christ.
3. Involving other members of the body. A
third important consideration in your plan to
successfully communicate God's love to your
Extended Family members, is to use the
unique resource of your church. In effective
disciple-making the local church is a central
part of the process.
One important resource for disciple-making!
found in your church is other church members,
particularly your close friends. Encouraging
and building personal relationships between
your Extended Family members and other
Christian friends in your church is a highly ef-
fective way of introducing your non-Christian
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST!
friends to the variety of ways Christ works in
the lives of people. No person, other than
Jesus, has ever been a perfect example of the
Christian life. If you are the only Christian
your Extended Family member knows, then
his/her perception of the incarnation of Christ
in a person's life is limited to what that person
sees in you.
What a unique new perspective to sharing
God's love . . . introducing Christ to your Ex-
tended Family member through the people in
your church. And how much more accurate an
introduction when Christ is seen in a number of
people's lives, than when their understanding is
limited to one simple explanation from one
single source.
This "cross-pollination" between your Ex-
tended Family members and various Chris-
tians in your church adds a dynamic dimension
to the disciple-making process. On one hand, it
provides you, as a disciple-maker, with support
from other members. In turn, you become part
of other church members' disciple-making ac-
tivities as you build relationships with their Ex-
tended Family members. The process adds to
the effectiveness of disciple-making, to the
common concern of church members for other
non-Christians, and to the accountability of
church members concerning the people in their
Extended Family. The process of com-
municating God's love through the lives of
other Christians takes a significant burden of
responsibility off the back of just one person.
Christians can look to the Body and its
members for support in making disciples.
How do you help such relationships flourish
between your Extended Family members and
others in the congregation? Informal social
gatherings at your home, or group outings to
special events can include both Christian and
non-Christian friends. The church may sponsor
a series of special events or workshops of in-
terest to non-Christians. The purpose of the
events would be to provide an opportunity for
building relationships between Extended Fami-
ly members and other church members.
You could use present church programs,
classes, and activities to introduce your Ex-
tended Family to others in the church. A
special Sunday school elective class might be
of interest to your friend, or a worship service
where a particular message would be relevant.
Church-sponsored social events are excellent
opportunities to bring a non-Christian friend
and introduce him/her to friends in the church.
Another approach could be to enlist your Ex-
tended Family members in an on-going group,
perhaps a home Bible study or a weekly lunch
meeting with some friends from the church.
THE CHURCH
LOOKS AT DIVORCE
Part One
by De Wayne Eakes
I. The Biblical Perspective on Divorce:
(Mark 10:2-12; Matthew 19:1-12; Deuter-
onomy 24 : 1-4 ; 1 Corinthians 7 : 10-16 ; Luke 16 : 18 ;
Matthew 5:31, 32; Matthew 22:37-40)
It is only in fairy tales that people marry and
live happily ever afterward. So far as we have
been able to discover every human society has
tried to regulate marriage with the expectation
that marriage is a permanent arrangement.
Every society however, has also made provi-
sions for the dissolution of unions that fail. (An
Open Book to the Christian Divorce, Roger
Crook, p. 51).
When Jesus was asked about divorce, He
answered in terms of the biblical ideal of the per-
manence of marriage (Matthew 19:4-6; Genesis
2:24; Ephesians 5:31). Matthew, written after
Mark, reflects a recognition by the early Chris-
tians that the ideal is often hard to attain. His
answer was a positive statement. The biblical
ideal is clearly stated: Marriage is intended by
God to be a permanent union of one man and one
woman. Life in accordance with that ideal is the
most meaningful and most satisfying way of life
for most people. (This is not to imply all should
marry.) But we do have a problem: Moses ac-
cording to Jesus, made an exception: "for your
hardness of heart." This "hardness of heart"
was not limited to the ancient Hebrews and the
early Christians. Being successful in attaining
the ideal seems far more difficult in our society
than it was in biblical days.
Nelson Blake in The Road to Reno (p. 1) lists
eight possible interpretations of Jesus' recorded
teachings on divorce and remarriage ( Christian
Century, Robert Sink, Broad State United
Methodist Church, Columbus, Ohio. "A Theology
of Divorce," April 20, 1977, p. 377).
1. Christ taught the indissolubility of marriage and
forbade all divorce.
2. He allowed divorce, but only to the husband, and
only one cause, adultery.
3. He allowed divorce for adultery to both husband
and wife.
4. Neither party to a divorce may marry again
while his/her former mate is still alive. To do so is
adultery.
5. The innocent party may remarry, but not the
guilty.
(Continued next week)
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
(Turn the Page)
5
6. Both parties may remarry, after sincere repen-
tance.
7. Adultery means only one thing, the sexual inter-
course of a married person with someone else other
than husband or wife.
8. Adultery is a symbolic word, standing for any
sin that violates the marriage contract.
Of course you cannot believe all of these but
these eight statements summarize the most
widely held views about Jesus' teachings on
divorce and remarriage.
Jesus' words need to be set in the context of
His day. The Deuteronomy 24 passage, written
from the bias of a patriarchal society, sanctions
divorce. The question of grounds for divorce is
that the wife possess "some uncleanness" or that
"she finds no favor in his eyes." Divorce was
readily available to men and was abused. The
woman's position was very vulnerable; she had
no real rights. A woman could lose her status and
security simply because she displeased her hus-
band. Jesus' reaction to divorce came from dif-
ferent points :
1. He supported and encouraged the ideal of the
permanance of the marriage of one man and woman
for life.
2. He was defending women against the ravages of
dehumanizing treatment they were often subjected to.
3. He was reacting to the abuse of divorce as much
as to divorce itself (John 4:7-39; 8:1-11).
There is a danger in being a biblicist here,
"The biblicist is defending a literalistic, word-
for-word doctrine of the Bible rather than to be
trying to discover the Spirit of Jesus."
(Psychotherapy and Pastoral Counseling,
Wayne Oates).
II. How the Church Views Divorce Historically
and Currently:
In all major churches, divorce is viewed as
falling short of the Christian ideal. Churches em-
phasize the permanence of marriage, the
lifetime union of one man and one woman.
The Roman Catholic Church considers mar-
riage a sacrament just as much so as Baptism,
The Lord's Supper, or The Washing of the Saint's
Feet. The true union of man and woman is not
created by the couple or the priest, but by God.
The Catholic Canon Law #118 says: "Marriage
which is valid and consummated cannot be
dissolved by any human power, nor by any
course save death." The Roman Catholic Church
does permit permanent separation on the
grounds of adultery (Canon Law #1129) and tem-
porary separation for other reasons (Canon Law
#1131). It does not call these separations divorce.
The Roman Catholic Church does practice annul-
ment of marriages. Annulments are granted
when the marriage is not "valid." "Valid" mar-
6
riages are spelled out in Canons 1067-1080. Th«,
conditions for the annulment of a marriage in/I
elude being underage, impotent or frigid, having
some spiritual relationship, or legal relationship7
that would be reason for annulling, etc. Annul
ment declares a marriage null and void.
The Canon Law of the Episcopal Church, tht
Discipline of the Methodist Church, the Book oi
Church Order of both major branches of tht
Presbyterian Church historically permittee
remarriage of a divorced person only if they arc
the "innocent party" in a divorce on grounds oil
adultery. Most Baptists, Disciples, Free Will
Baptists, etc. accepted this view.
Following or about the era of World War II I
these above named churches revised their views t
on divorce and remarriage, and most Pro I
testants changed in the same way. The current
view of most Protestants can be summarized asi
follows: "While divorce is discouraged, and
while it is to be regretted wherever it seems i
necessary, the divorced person's relationship tc
the church is not jeopardized" (p. 59, Roger
Crook).
"Wherever marriage seems to crush what is
genuinely human, then it must yield to the highei
principle of the Great Commandment (see Matj
thew 22:37-40)." ("A Theology of Divorce, '\
Robert Sinks, Christian Century, April 20, 1973
p. 376).
Many churches are somewhat two-faced oi
confused in how they view divorced persons
Many pastors will refuse to marry divorced perJ
sons and will not allow them to hold church ofi
fices (especially the office of Deacon, 1 Timothjli
3:2 and 3:12; and sometimes Sunday school
teacher). However, they will receive them asf
church members, accept their tithes and allovsj
them to serve in other ways. Are these churches!
therein saying that divorce is an unforgiveablej:
sin or that even adultery is unpardonable? This!
does not square with the Bible or Jesus' personaji
teachings!
The person who falls short of the ideal in one aspect
does not thereby demonstrate that he is regarded
forever thereafter as morally corrupt. He should not,
for one failure, have closed to him all avenues of ser-
vice to Christ and His church. At any rate, it hardly
seems more appropriate to prohibit a divorced person
from holding such offices than to prohibit someone who
falls short on any of the other characteristics. The dif-
ference between a divorced Christian and one who is
not divorced is not that one is a sinner and the other is
not. It is rather that their failures are of a different
sort. All Christians should be guided by the ideals of
Christian character, and one who genuinely
regrets/repents of his failures/sins should not be ex-
cluded from using his abilities in the service of Christ
(p. 60, Roger Crook).
(Continued next week)
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
News 81 Notes
ftie Rev. R. P. Harris
lonored
The Rev. R. P. Harris
November 20, 1983, was a
special day for the Rev. R. P.
Harris of Rocky Mount. During
the Thanksgiving Family night
program a special plaque
honoring Mr. Harris was
presented to him. On
November 20, 1933, he was or-
dained into the gospel ministry
at Dawson's Grove Church. For
50 years he has faithfully
served God and man. Over 27
churches have been served by
this pastor. It was in the early
1950s that he came to Rocky
Mount. As Pastor Mark Hobbs
presented Mr. Harris with the
plaque the congregation gave a
standing ovation to a friend and
brother in Christ. The people of
the First Original Free Will
Baptist Church of Rocky Mount
are thankful that God allowed
R. P. and his wife, Lucy, the op-
portunity to serve and live in
the community.
Barnes Hill Church
Has Anniversary
The congregation of Barnes
Hill Church, Route 3, Nashville,
celebrated its 100th anniver-
sary on Sunday, December 18.
The church was built in 1883.
Sunday school was held at 9 : 45
a.m. Worship services were
held at 11 a.m., with the
message being delivered by the
present pastor, the Rev. Robert
Langley. Cleo Barnes Worrell
read the history of the church.
She is the granddaughter of
Jim and Bettie Barnes for
whom the church was named.
There were many in attendance
who wore old fashioned styles
for the anniversary.
Heavenbound to Sing
Edge wood Church of Route 1,
Macclesfield, will be featuring
the "Heavenbound" on
January 19, at 7:30 p.m. The
pastor is the Rev. Robert
Strickland. The public is in-
vited to attend this service.
NOTICE
The Third Union Meeting of
the Eastern Conference will
convene at Verona Free Will
Baptist Church, Saturday
morning, at 10, on January 28,
1984.
The Rev. Orvin Everette, Moderator
Justin Kornegay, Clerk
NOTE OF THANKS
To my many friends,
churches, auxiliaries and Sun-
day school classes, thank you
for the many gifts and checks
from North Carolina and
Georgia. Your thoughtfulness
and kindness to me will always
be remembered. The many
cards were beautiful and the
letters were so interesting. I
wish I could see each of you.
You, my friends, are beautiful.
May God's blessings be with
each of you and your churches.
Please remember me in your
prayers. May each of you have
a most wonderful year for 1984
and the blessings of our
wonderful Saviour be with us
all.
Mrs. E. C. Morris
January is
Retirement Homes
Month. Remember
this important
ministry with
your prayerful
and financial support.
THE BOOK CORNER
by Frank Ray Harrison
Farmer, H. H., The Servant of the Word. Fortress Press,
Philadelphia (4th printing 1977) from the "Preacher's Paperback
Library" series.
In the Introduction to the book Edmund A. Steinle, consulting
editor to the series, has this to say about this volume:
"H. H. Farmer's The Servant of the Word is one of the land-
marks in the theology which undergirds the preacher's task. Few
books have answered the question, 'Why Preach?' so clearly and
compellingly. Moreover, the methodological details in sermon
craft are shown to be in precise and organic relation to Farmer's
theological understanding of the nature of preaching. This reprint
makes available the most rewarding book for the student of
preaching I know" (p. VI).
This book was originally written in 1942, in the midst of World
War II. Much of its language is colored by its historical origin.
However the content or thrust of its 109 pages are relevant to
responsible preaching in every age. Its fourth printing in the paper-
back format was 1977. This book is readable and pertinent to the
fulfilling of the minister's call to preach. I recommend it for your
use.
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
7
Mount Olive College ■■■■■■■■
PLANTS ARRIVE AT COLLEGE HALL
A very cold, windy day found several members of the Campus Beautification
Committee hard at work around College Hall. One of the first truckloads of plants
arrived on December 21. Committee chairman Lorelle Martin shows Gary Barefoot
how to dig a proper hole while Dr. Raper looks on. Edna Scarborough of Mount Olive
and W. P. Kemp Sr. of Goldsboro offer their moral support.
TAYLOR HILL PORTRAIT PRESENTED
TO MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE
The first anniversary of the death of Taylor Hill (February 24,
1927— December 4, 1982) was remembered with the presentation of
a portrait to the Free Will Baptist Historical Collection and the
establishing of The Taylor Hill Scholarship Endowment at Mount
Olive College. Present for the presentation were (left to right) the
Rev. Charles Crisp, executive director of the Free Will Baptist
Home Missions Board; the Rev. Ray Wells, chairman of the
Board; Mrs. Hill; and two of the Hill children: Kenny Hill of
Raleigh and Taylor La Nelle Hill of Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Another daughter, Mrs. Janice Hill Basden of San Antonio, Texas,
could not be present.
The portrait was painted by Melanie Kennedy (Douglas)
Seymour, an alumnae of Mount Olive College and daughter of the
Rev. and Mrs. Dean Kennedy of Pink Hill.
THE TAYLOR HILL
SCHOLARSHIP '
ENDOWMENT
A scholarship endowment i
has been established at Mount!
Olive College in memory of the
late Taylor Hill, first director of
the North Carolina Home Mis-
sions Board of Original Free
Will Baptists.
Initial contributions were
made by the Missions Board
and the Hill Family. The fund ,
has been placed on compound
interest until the interest and
principal total $3,000;
thereafter, the earnings will be
used to provide scholarships for
students at Mount Olive College
who are preparing for the
Christian ministry or other
church-related vocations.
"By letting the fund grow un-
til it reaches $3,000, a scholar-
ship in the minimum of $300 can
be awarded annually," the
Rev. Charles Crisp, executive
director of the Board, ex-
plained. It is hoped that the
first award can be made for the
1984-85 academic year.
The endowment is open to
churches, church organizations
and individuals who would like
to express appreciation for the
life and leadership of Mr. Hill.
Gifts to the Hill Endowment
may be sent directly to Mount
Olive College (Mount Olive,
North Carolina 28365) or to the
Free Will Baptist Home Mis-
sions Board (Post Office Box
38, Ayden, North Carolina
28513). Contributions to the:
fund are tax deductible.
A native of Greene County,
North Carolina, Hill was or-
dained by the Cape Fear Con-
ference, November 5, 1965. His
ministry was primarily in the
Fayetteville area where he
organized Eastwood Church
and Haymount Mission.
Catalpa and Victory Churches;
were also outgrowths of his
ministry. It was also under Mr.
Hill's ministry that four otherj
men were ordained: Jesse
8
THE FREE WILL BAPTISI
Caton, Alton Howard, Charles
Parrish, and Dean Kennedy.
I Hill was the prime mover for
the establishing of the Free Will
Baptist Home Missions Board
and served as its first director
for ten years until he resigned
in 1981 due to declining health.
Other denominational positions
held by Hill included Chairman
'of the Cape Fear Missions
Board, member of the State
I Sunday School Board and
Secretary of the General Con-
ference of Original Free Will
Baptists.
"I remember Taylor Hill as
a man of faith, vision, commit-
ment, and compassion,"
declared W. Burkette Raper,
president of Mount Olive Col-
lege. "He believed that the
primary mission of the church
was not to serve itself but to
share the gospel of Jesus Christ
with mankind everywhere. He
was an humble and unselfish
man who possessed strong con-
victions about his duty as a
Christian. He provided extra-
ordinary leadership for
Original Free Will Baptists,
and he will be missed, but we
are glad that other young men
can be equipped for Christian
service through the scholarship
that has been established in his
name."
CONVENTION CHAIRS
PROJECT GAINS
MOMENTUM
During the Christmas— New
Year period of December
22— January 3, gifts totaling
$4,950 were received for 99 Col-
lege Hall chairs. Fifteen of
these chairs were the results of
the work of the Rev. S. A. "Pa"
Smith of Beulaville who used
the holiday period to contact
friends for the project.
Update Through January 3
There are 505 chairs
available to be contributed by
churches, Sunday school
classes, families, individuals,
Woman's Auxiliaries, Lay-
man's Leagues or Sunday
schools. The chairs may be donated in honor (living) or in memory
(deceased) of persons chosen by the donor.
The chairs will be used for conventions, conferences and other
church-related events. The chairs, along with the 1,250 bleacher
seats, will provide seating capacity for more than 2,000 people on
the main floor of College Hall.
Chairs Needed 800 ($50 each) $40,000
Gifts to Date 295 14,750
Balance
505 Chairs
295 Chairs Through January 3
Donors
Snow Hill Church, Mount Olive
Mrs. Wallace R. Kirby, Kenly
In Honor of Mrs. Dessie Warren
By the Rev. and Mrs. Willis Wilson, Winterville
In Memory of Mr. L. F. Warren
By the Rev. and Mrs. Willis Wilson, Winterville
In Memory of Eva Jackson
By Mr. George C. Jackson, Greenville
In Honor of Rebecca Davenport
By Fidelis Memorial Sunday School Class of
Reedy Branch Church, Winterville
In Honor of Mr. E. C. Davenport
By Mrs. Rebecca Davenport, Winterville
In Honor of the Rev. and Mrs. Willis Wilson
By Mrs. Clarissa E. May, Winterville
In Memory of Clem and Lila Harrison
By Hildred Harrison, New Bern
Saint Paul MSC, Newton Grove
In Memory of Mrs. Emma W. Oliver
By Mrs. Flonnie W. Creech and
Mrs. Renna W. Barnes, Princeton
Mount Zion Church, Roper
In Memory of the Rev. and Mrs. Thomas F.
Davenport
By Mrs. D. H. Furlough, Creswell
Mrs. Viola B. White, Dover
In Honor of Dr. W. Burkette Raper
By Mr. and Mrs. Ray Warrick, Newton Grove
Mrs. Pearl B. Blalock, Lucama
Howell Swamp Layman's League, Walstonburg
In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. Willie Mercer
By Nora M. Miller, Beulaville
Moseley's Creek Church, Dover
In Memory of Henry Clay Herndon Jr.
By Mrs. Sarah L. Herndon and Children, Goldsboro
Mrs. Bertha Tripp, Winterville
In Memory of L. E. Turnage
By Mrs. L. E. Turnage
Mrs. Rom W. Mallard, Mount Olive
In Memory of Rom W. Mallard
By Mrs. Rom W. Mallard, Mount Olive
King's Cross Roads, Farmville
Mr. and Mrs. Milton Wiggs, Smithfield
In Honor of the Rev. and Mrs. Raymond T. Sasser
By the First Church of Tarboro
In Honor of Dr. and Mrs. O. B. Jones
By the First Church of Tarboro
In Memory of Mrs. Lillie W. Sanderson
By Mr. and Mrs. Elwood B. Sanderson, Beulaville
In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Exum
By Mr. and Mrs. Eugene L. Exum, Beulaville
Mr. and Mrs. Carl W. Powell, Kenansville
In Honor of Mrs. Janice H. Jones
By Mr. Kenneth G. Jones, Beulaville
In Honor of Mr. Kenneth G. Jones
By Mrs. Janice H. Jones, Beulaville
(Continued on Page 15)
$25,250
Number
of Chairs
8
2
1
Amount
$ 400
100
50
50
50
50
50
50
100
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
150
50
100
100
50
50
50
50
250
50
150
150
50
50
50
50
50
50
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
9
Foreign Missions
GOD'S LOVE SHARED AMONG
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN
The Free Will Baptist Church Philippines has endorsed a new
ministry of teaching the Bible in the elementary schools. Permis-
sion was granted by the superintendent of public schools to
Palawan Bible Institute for its graduates to teach Bible in the
public schools in accordance with the provisions of section 780 of
the BPS Service Manual and of Division Letter No. 3s, 1979.
The Board of Trustees has appointed three ladies, who are in
training as Bible women, to teach in this new ministry. They are
left to right: Miss Emy Gabinete, Miss Leticia Jardin and Miss
Susan dela Rosa.
Miss Gabinete is a member of the Puerto Princesa Free Will
Baptist Church and a 1982 graduate of Palawan Bible Institute.
Miss Jardin and Miss dela Rosa are members of the Canigaran
Free Will Baptist Church and 1983 graduates of Palawan Bible In-
stitute.
The objective of this new ministry is to expose as many elemen-
tary school children as possible to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Some
of these children are members of evangelical churches. Some are
members of cultic groups. Some are Catholic. But most of these
children do not attend church at all. It is such a great opportunity to
be able to set the Truth, Jesus Christ, before them.
10
These ladies are working ir!
four elementary schools. The
children must get their parent's'
permission to attend the class. I
Attendance is on a voluntary I
basis. Weekly attendance is ap-ll
proximately 450 to 475. Isn't!
that wonderful?
Will you stop and take time to I
pray for these three ladies and
their elementary school
children? You and I can
remember so well the love of I
Jesus Christ for little children. I
Thank you and may God'i
bless you.
Fred Baker
Missionary to the Philippines ;
MISSIONS CONFERENCE
Special announcement and
invitation to attend a one -day
world missions conference onl
March 9, 1984, sponsored by the I
Board of Foreign Missions. 1 1
Place, Mount Olive College:
The morning and afternoon I
sessions will be held on thelj
downtown campus. The World
Missions Rally that night will I
be held in College Hall.
The schedule will begin at 9j
a.m. with a prayer session. I
Seminars will start at 10 a.m. 1
There will be a banquet for all 1
who can come at 5 p.m.
The rally will begin at 7:30
p.m. Dr. William Bennett,!
pastor of the 7,500 member
First Baptist Church, Fortn
Smith, Arkansas, will be the I
speaker for the day.
The van der Plas Family will I
be commissioned for service to 1
the Philippines during the ral- N
iy-
An exciting program of lee- ;
tures, seminars, and music has i
been planned for the whole day.
Plan now to attend. Come by
bus, car, etc., but come!
This is going to be a great day
in the Lord. I look forward to
seeing you then.
Harold Jones, Director
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
Children's Home
MEMORIAL CHAPEL RECEIVING REPAIRS
Back in September in a special edition of the "Children's Home
Life" we made an appeal for funds to help meet repair costs on
Memorial Chapel. We want to thank each church, Sunday school,
auxiliary, layman's league and individual friends who gave to help
us offset this additional expense.
Since 1952, Memorial Chapel
has stood in the center of the
campus as a reminder of our
mission and commitment to
Christianity and Christian child
care.
JAMES B. HUNT SR.
HONORED BY NORTH
CAROLINA STATE GRANGE
The roof around the steeple has been re-covered which was one
)f our major costs. Several of the window frames have been re-
placed and other repairs completed. The repair work needed to be
3one before the winter months. We still need your assistance in the
imount of $1,000 to meet this expenditure. If you or your church
:ould help with a special offering it would be an answer to our
prayers.
James B. Hunt Sr.
James B. Hunt Sr., Chairman
of the Board of Trustees of
Mount Olive College, has been
named "North Carolina Man of
the Year." Mr. Hunt was
awarded the honor by the North
(Continued on Page 15)
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
11
Family Devotions
SUNDAY,
JANUARY
15
Scripture Reading — Genesis 43-45
I SAW ALSO THE LORD
Humboldt, in his Travels, describes his ex-
periences during a mighty earthquake and ac-
companying tornado. He was filled with fear
when he saw the churning waters receding from
the bay. His vessel toppled over on the beach.
Huge trees were uprooted. Ominous, black
clouds darkened the sky. The scene was terrify-
ing. He chanced to look up through a rift in the
dark cloud and there he saw the sun shining in its
glory! Soon the earth ceased to throb. The wind
subsided. The sky cleared, and the sun brought
warmth and cheer.
As we look about us today, we see much to
alarm and dismay us. We, like Isaiah, see totter-
ing, crumbling thrones. But Isaiah saw "also the
Lord."
Midst upheavals, God is unchanged and un-
changing— the same yesterday, today and
forever. "Thou remainest!"
MONDAY,
JANUARY
16
Scripture Reading— Genesis 46-48
AT HEART, AN EAGLE
A farmer caught a young eagle and placed it
with his chickens. The eaglet ate with them and
soon adapted itself to their ways. One day a
naturalist visited the farmer. Seeing the eagle,
he said, "That's not a chicken. That's an eagle."
"That's right," said the farmer, "but he's no
longer an eagle in his nature. He's a chicken
now, for he eats chicken feed and does
everything chickens do. He'll never fly again!"
"You're wrong," said the naturalist. "He's an
eagle still, because he has the heart of an eagle."
After making several unsuccessful efforts to get
the eagle to fly, the naturalist carried the eagle
to the foot of a high mountain just as the sun was
rising. The instant the eagle got a vision of the
rising sun, he uttered a wild scream of joy,
stretched his wings, and mounted higher and
higher into the sky— never to return to the
farmer.
Oh, for a vision of Jesus, "the Sun of
righteousness," that we may "mount up with
wings as eagles . . . run, and not be weary . . .
walk, and not faint. "
TUESDAY,
JANUARY
17
Scripture Reading— Genesis 49 — Exodus 1
LOOKING UNTO JESUS
A group of people listened to a student, whej
had been a navigator in a crew of giant bombers
in World War II. He said, "My guiding my ship
across the unchartered oceans was a simple
matter indeed. Why, all I had to do was take a
couple looks at the stars, and then look in a book.
That book would tell me right where we were,
making it the easiest thing in the world to get to
our destination! "
God's children will always be guided aright
when they do two things : Look to Jesus whom the
Bible calls "a Star of Jacob," and "the bright
and morning star," to the Book, God's im-
perishable Word, which is "a lamp" that
"shineth in a dark place."
Day by day, dear Lord,
Of Thee three things I pray:
To see Thee more clearly,
Love Thee more dearly,
Follow Thee more nearly,
Day by day.
WEDNESDAY,
JANUARY
18
Scripture Reading— Exodus 2-4
HE GRABBED FOR THE BRANCH!
An acquaintance was on the critical list in a
Chicago hospital. The doctors gave no hope for
his recovery. In his earlier years the patient had
confessed Christ as his Saviour. His life had been
characterized by neglect and failure to live a|
consistent Christian life. Coming close to death's
door, God, in mercy, was seeking him. In vision,
he saw himself on the edge of a deep, dark
chasm, into which he began to slip. In his
helplessness he cried to God to save him. Im-
mediately he saw an overhanging branch which
he grabbed, and to which he clung tenaciously!
Could it be that the branch which he saw was the |
Branch of Jeremiah's prophecy, the Saviour-
King? "I will raise unto David a righteous
Branch" (Jeremiah 23:5). The patient began to
pray. He recovered and gave God the glory for
answering prayer and delivering him from the
"horrible pit!"
If you want to be distressed, look to yourself.
If you want to be perplexed, look to others. If you
want to be radiant, look to Jesus: "Looking unto
Jesus the author and finisher of our faith"
(Hebrews 12:2).
12
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
rHURSDAY,
IANUARY
19
Scripture Reading— Exodus 5-7
'TWAS A LOOK!
What can strip the seeming glory
From the idols of the earth?
Not a sense of right and duty,
But a sight of peerless worth.
'Tis the look that melted Peter,
"Tis the face that Stephen saw,
'Tis the heart that wept with Mary
Can alone from idols draw.
Draw, and win, and fill completely,
Till the cup o' erf lows its brim,
What have we to do with idols
Since we've companied with Him?
Look away from things that perish,
Wood and stone will soon decay,
Fix your eyes on things eternal,
God and Heav 'n will stand for aye.
He is able, He is willing,
He will guide you all the way;
Take your eye off things that perish,
Look to Him and trust and pray.
FRIDAY,
JANUARY
20
icripture Reading — Exodus 8-10
POTENTIAL SAINTS!
Agostino d' Antonio, a sculptor of Florence,
:taly, wrought diligently but unsuccessfully on a
arge piece of marble. "I can do nothing with it,"
le finally said. Other sculptors, too, worked with
he piece of marble, but they, too, gave up the
ask. The stone was discarded. It lay on a rub-
)ish heap for forty years.
Out strolling one day, Michelangelo saw the
itone and the latent possibilities in it. It was
irought to his studio. He began to work on it.
Jltimately, his vision and work were crowned
vith success. From that seemingly worthless
tone was carved one of the world's master-
tieces of sculpture— David!
On the rubbish heaps of the skid rows of our
ities are humanly hopeless and helpless
liscarded degenerates who are potential saints!
Oh, for the vision to see them and others, not
s they are, but as they may become by the
rans forming grace of God!
SATURDAY,
JANUARY
21
sripture Reading— Exodus 11-13
GOD, GRANT US THE VISION!
Nate Saint wrote a short while before he and
)ur other young men were martyred by the
HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
savage Aucas Indians, as they sought to take the
gospel to them :
"As we have a high old time this Christmas
may we who know Christ hear the cry of the
damned as they hurtle headlong into the
Christless night without ever a chance. May we
be moved with compassion as our Lord was. May
we shed tears of repentance for those whom we
have failed to bring out of darkness. Beyond the
smiling scenes of Bethlehem may we see the
crushing agony of Golgotha. May God give us a
new vision of His will concerning the lost and our
responsibility. Would that we could comprehend
the lot of these Stone-Age people who live in mor-
tal fear of ambush on the jungle trail .... Those
to whom the bark of a gun means sudden,
mysterious death .... Those who think all the
men in the world are killers like themselves. If
God would grant us the vision, the word
'sacrifice' would disappear from our lips and
thoughts. We would hate the things that now
seem dear to us, our lives would suddenly be too
short, we would despise time-robbing distrac-
tions, and charge the enemy with all our energy
in the name of Christ. May God help us to judge
by the eternity that separates the Aucas from the
comprehension of Christmas and Him who,
though He was rich yet for our sakes became
poor, so that we through His poverty might be
made rich."
Open my eyes, that I may see
This one and that one needing Thee:
Hearts that are dumb, unsatisfied;
Lives that are dark, for whom Christ died.
Open my eyes in sympathy
Clear into man's deep soul to see;
Wise with Thy wisdom to discern,
And with Thy heart of love to yearn.
Open my eyes in power, I pray;
Give me the strength to speak today,
Someone to bring, dear Lord, to Thee;
Use me, O Lord, use even me.
Portions selected from Knight's Treasury of Illustra-
tions, Walter B. Knight.
SPECIAL OFFER
The Free Will Baptist
Press Foundation still
has a limited supply 1
of 1984 calendars
available. These cal-
endars are like the
ones found inside the
December 28, 1983, issue of this publica-
tion. If you are interested in receiving one
more— or some more— of the calendars,
contact the Press by writing Box 158,
Ayden, NC 28513-0158; or by calling (919)
746-6128. The cost of the calendars is 25*
each, plus shipping and handling.
13
Sunday School Lesson1
For January 15
VISION AND MISSION
Lesson Text: Isaiah 6:1-8
Memory Verse : Isaiah 6 : 8
The prophets of God in the
Old Testament and the apostles
in the New were alike in two im-
portant respects. They knew
that their message was divinely
given, and this knowledge gave
them a deep feeling of urgency
about their mission. The Apos-
tle Paul declared, "I must
make it clear to you, my
friends, that the gospel you
heard me preach is no human
invention. I did not take it over
from any man; no man taught
it me; I received it through a
revelation of Jesus Christ"
(Galatians 1:11, 12, The New
English Bible). Paul was cer-
tain of this. On the Damascus
road he had encountered the
risen Christ himself; an ex-
perience that turned him
around, changing his life com-
pletely (Acts 22:5-16).
Henceforth he was a man with
a message from God. He spoke
because he could not keep from
speaking.
Others had a similar ex-
perience. Jeremiah asserted,
"The word of the LORD came
unto me" (Jeremiah 1:4), and
then he lived as one to whom
the word had come. When the
prophets spoke of their stand-
ing in the counsel of the Lord,
they were not referring to some
inner (subjective) mystical ex-
perience. Theirs was an en-
counter with God, person to
person— such an encounter as
to incite them to action. There
have been, and are, many
mystics whose meditations
carry them into the surrealistic
realm, and for whom con-
sciousness of the world fades
away. Some such even enter-
tain the delusion that they par-
take of the divine nature. This
never was true of the prophets.
In the presence of God they
realized only too well their own
human nature. Instead of at-
tempting to transcend the
world, they were motivated by
the realization of the presence
of God in the world.
The prophets saw themselves
as servants of the Lord, heralds
of His Word. So strongly did
Jeremiah feel this compulsion
that he admitted, "If I say, 'I
will not mention him or speak
any more in his name,' his word
is in my heart like a burning
fire, shut up in my bones. I am
weary of holding it in; indeed, I
cannot" (Jeremiah 20:9, New
International Version). The
prophets spoke because they
could not keep silent. This was
precisely Isaiah's experience.
He did not seek the prophetic
office; there were enough self-
appointed false prophets
already.
When Isaiah was born, Uz-
ziah reigned in Jerusalem as
king of Judah. For the most
part he was a good king, and
certainly he was a capable and
popular leader. During his long
reign of fifty-two years the na-
tion was more prosperous than
at any time since the reign of
Solomon some two hundred
years earlier.
Uzziah subdued neighboring
peoples (2 Chronicles 26:6-8).
He strengthened Jerusalem
and also built fortifications
elsewhere. He promoted agri-
culture and animal husbandry
and opened many wells to pro-
vide water for the extensive
flocks and herds of the land. He
rebuilt the seaport of Elath on
the Gulf of Aqaba, and thus had
a trade route through the Red
Sea. All of these pursuits con-
tributed to the prosperity of the
area for his people. Back of
them all, however, was another
factor that must not be
overlooked; Uzziah "sought
God . . . and as long as he
sought the LORD, God made
him to prosper" (2 Chronicles
26:5).
Even so, conditions were not
good in Judah in the declining
years of Uzziah. The peopj
were outwardly religious bi
the worship of God had lost il
spiritual and moral characte:
The fact that God is holy an
righteous and demands rigl
teousness of His people wa
forgotten or ignored. In spite (
the good economic climat<
many were in abject povert
because of unscrupulous pro
iteers in the marketplace an
crooked judges in the court;
Leaders in government wer
rebellious against God and the
associated with underworl
characters and hoodlums. The
took bribes and perverte
justice (Isaiah 1:23). The time
were foreboding, therefore
when Isaiah was called to be
prophet.
We have stated that th
prophets were not mystics
When they spoke of seeing Go
and hearing Him speak, the
were not describing som
mystical experience but a
historical event in their live:
We may not see God, as the
did, in some miraculoui
fashion. Yet still we ma
behold His glory, and the ej
perience can become for us "
fire in our bones," as wit
Jeremiah, demanding relea^
in loving service.
James Watt saw the lid of hi
mother's teakettle lifted by th
pressure of the steam inside
"There is power," he said t
himself, and set about devisinl
a way to utilize that power fc|
good. The result, as we knova
was the steam engine. And thai
is nothing compared with th]
power available from above]
waiting to be incorporated intj
the lives of those who have see]
God's glory.
And then there is the more ir|
timate and personal view of thl
glory of God as seen in Chria
Jesus the Son (John 1:14). Her]
is revealed the compassion m
God, His love, and His power tl
save. Who can look and not b|
challenged? — Standard Lessom
Commentary
14
THE FREE WILL BAPTISl
JAMES B. HUNT SR.
HONORED
(Continued from Page 11)
irolina Grange at the State
Hivention.
In connection with the award,
ng time Grange leader
Dbert H. Caldwell said, "Your
cent recognition as 'North
irolina Man of the Year' was
1 honor and recognition most
iserved. You and Mrs. Hunt
ive been rocks as solid as
Ibraltar through the years,
le leadership which you have
ovided, the personal time and
penses which you have so
sely shared, the love and con-
rn for others, all have been
,rt of the Hunt life. Those of us
10 have come in contact with
>u have been blessed by it."
A Guilford County native,
r. Hunt has planted over
0,000 pine trees on his own
operty. He is an active
ember of the North Carolina
ate Grange Tobacco Commit-
e and presently serves as the
aster of the Wilson County
"ange. He serves on the
>restry Advisory Council to
e North Carolina State
>rester.
Hunt's accomplishments in-
ude: a B.S. degree in
jriculture from North
irolina State; pioneered in
11 conservation, employed by
3 United States Department
Agriculture; worked in Soil
mservation Service for 32
ars in Guilford, Cleveland,
amance, Wake and Wilson
•unties ; served eight years on
ue Cured Tobacco Marketing
>mmittee with represen-
tees from five states ; served
years on the Coastal Plains
igional Commission, assist-
% the sections of Virginia,
>rth Carolina, South Carolina,
;orgia, and Florida; assisted
•anges in Wilson, Johnston,
ish, Greene, and Pitt Coun-
ts as North Carolina State
•ange Deputy; and served on
2 Board of Directors of the
>rth Carolina Grange Mutual
surance Company.
HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
Hunt has served his church as superintendent of Marsh Swamp
Free Will Baptist Church Sunday school from 1942-1972.
He is married to Elsie Brame Hunt of Rock Ridge in Wilson
County. They have two sons, Robert Brame Hunt, a psychiatric
social worker with Veterans Hospital in Durham, and James B.
Hunt Jr., the Governor of North Carolina.
MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE
(Continued from Page 9)
In Memory of Sam McLawhorn 2 100
By Mrs. Maggie McLawhorn, Winterville
Riverside YFA and AFC, Princeton l 50
In Honor of E. Matthew Prescott 1 50
By Mrs. Rhoda B. Prescott, New Bern 1 50
In Honor of Phillip M. Prescott, New Bern l 50
By Mrs. Rhoda B. Prescott, New Bern
In Honor of Mrs. Willie H. Willoughby 1 50
By Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Dilday and Family,
New Carrollton, Maryland
In Honor of Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Baldree 2 100
By Baldree's Incorporated, New Bern
In Honor of Wanda Johnson 1 50
By Mrs. Pearl R. Johnson, Raleigh
In Honor of James A. Lovette 1 50
By Mr. and Mrs. Earl W. Lovette, Deep Run
In Honor of Debra A. Lovette 1 50
By Mr. and Mrs. Earl W. Lovette, Deep Run
Mr. and Mrs. William H. Mason, Oriental 1 50
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Sutton, Deep Run 1 50
In Memory of Theodore R. Slade 1 50
By Mrs. Theodore R. Slade, Merritt
Marsh Swamp Church, Sims 6 300
Anonymous 1 50
In Memory of Leonidas and Mable Chase Rollins 2 100
By Mr. and Mrs. Ben E. Rollins, La Grange
Mrs. Ethel Mae Allen, Four Oaks 1 50
Mr. Ernest M. Allen, Four Oaks 1 50
In Memory of Mr. R. L. Worthington l 50
By Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Worthington, Ayden
In Honor of Mr. E. C. Davenport 1 50
By Mrs. Roy E. Davenport, Winterville
In Memory of Oscar E. Herring 1 50
By Mr. Oscar E. Herring Jr. and Family, La Grange
In Honor of Mrs. Katie Garris Herring 1 50
By Mrs. Oscar E. Herring Jr. and Family, La Grange
In Memory of Nina H. Beaman 1 50
By the Rev. N. D. Beaman, Snow Hill
In Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Brown l 50
By Mrs. Auline Lanier, Beulaville
Northeast Church, Mount Olive 4 200
In Memory of Clingman W. Kirby 1 50
By Mrs. Esther L. Kirby and Family, Lucama
Ladies and Men's Sunday School Classes
of Beulaville Church l 50
In Memory of Elder W. B. Smith 1 50
By the Rev. S. A. Smith, Beulaville
In Memory of Mrs. W. B. Smith 1 50
By the Rev. S. A. Smith, Beulaville
In Memory of Archie Lanier l 50
By Mr. and Mrs. Leon A. Lanier, Beulaville
In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. Cy Thomas 1 50
By Mr. and Mrs. Leon A. Lanier, Beulaville
In Memory of John D. Home 1 50
By Mr. and Mrs. James R. Edwards, Beulaville
In Memory of Warren A. Thomas 1 50
By Mrs. Verdia H. Thomas, Beulaville
In Memory of Mattie K. Home l 50
By Mr. and Mrs. G. B. Frazelle, Beulaville
In Memory of Theodore West 1 50
By Mr. and Mrs. Ted West, Roseboro
Totals (December 22 through January 3) 99 $4,950
15
OFF
Sheet music & music
books, tapes & albums —in
stock Hymnals not included.
At the
^Free Will Baptist Press
bookstores in Ayden, Kinston, New Bern,
Smithfield, Wilson and Whiteville.
16
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
*J
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 1984, AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA
The Free Will Baptist
Editorial
CONTENTS
Editorial 2
Feature 3
Weekly Features
News and Notes 7
Children's Home 12
Foreign Missions 14
Sunday School Lesson 15
Family Devotions 16
6 Steps to Effective
Disciple Making 4
The Church Looks at Divorce 5
A Loving Tribute to
Mother Jane Warren 6
The Christian Nurturer 12
Volume 99 Number 3
January 18, 1984
Janie Jones Sowers
Editor
Edited and published forty-eight times a year by
the Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811
North Lee Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513-0158.
Second-class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina
(USPS 209-440).
All materials to be placed in any issue must be in
the hands of the editor seven days prior to the
publication date of that issue.
The purpose of this paper is to promote the cause of
Christ among Original Free Will Baptists, and we
reserve the right to refuse any article or news that is
inconsistent with our purpose, programs, or policies,
and that does not reflect a spirit of harmony and
cooperation with the Free Will Baptist Press Foun-
dation and the North Carolina State Convention of
Original Free Will Baptists.
The contents herein do not necessarily reflect the
beliefs or policies of the editor or of The Free Will
Baptist. The responsibility for each article is given
the person whose name appears under the title or to
the person submitting said article.
Items for publication should be addressed to the
Editor. The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box 158, Ayden,
North Carolina 28513-0158.
All subscriptions are payable in advance: one
year, $8.84; two years, $16.12; four years, $31.20 (in-
cluding sales tax for North Carolina residents);
residents of other states, $8.50, $15.50 and $30 respec-
tively (plus sales tax where it applies).
Every-Family Plan: A 25 percent discount given
when local churches send the "Baptist" to the home
of every member; names and addresses to be pro-
vided by churches. Churches are billed quarterly.
Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists" are
sent to one individual who in turn distributes these. A
50 percent discount is offered under this plan.
Bookstore Hours: Ayden, Smithfield. and
Whiteville, 9 a.m.— 5 p.m., Monday —Saturday.
New Bern, Wilson, and Kinston, 9:30 a.m.— 5 p.m.,
Monday — Saturday .
Board of Directors
Dewey Boling, President; C. Felton Godwin, Vice
President; Ruth Taylor, Secretary; Adrian Grubbs,
Assistant Secretary; Robert May; Eddie Edwards;
Marice DeBruhl; James Billy Hardee; De Wayne
Eakes; David W. Hansley, Chairman Emeritus.
Free Will Baptist Press Foundation. Inc.: Cliff
Gray, Executive Director; Janie Jones Sowers,
Editor of Literature.
Submission Brings Peace
A highly respected pastor astonished his congregation one
Sunday morning when he began his opening remarks. The
gentleman reached into his coat pocket, pulled out a folded let-
ter and held it in the air. He continued by explaining that it
was a letter of resignation that he had been carrying around
for three years. The minister was discouraged, feeling that he
had to waste much of his energy performing many trivialities
that were far different from his concept of what the ministry
was. Church members found it easy to complain about atten-
dance and offering totals, yet these same individuals were
among his worst attenders and tithers. This pastor was
defeated and frustrated because he failed to see signs of
spiritual growth among the members of his congregation. He
tried to guide his congregation to a level of spiritual maturity
but found his efforts fruitless. "But," he said, "if it weren't for
the 'Jonathans,' I would have read it a long time ago." In the
midst of the congregation there were those who had bloomed;
and he had stayed for them. (Jonathan's love for David
grew— in the midst of turmoil.) This pastor was miserable
because there were those who stood between him and his call-
ing.
Our Lord made it clear that everyone is called into a cer-
tain profession according to his abilities. And the Apostle Paul
admonishes us :
God has given each of you some special abilities; be
sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others
God's many kinds of blessings. Are you called to
preach? Then preach as though God himself were
speaking through you. Are you called to help others? Do
it with all the strength and energy that God supplies, so
that God will be glorified through Jesus Christ (1 Peter
4:10, 11, Living Bible).
There is no question in my mind that every call is a worthy
call— a call for us to do our best. Now there are corporate
presidents who are absolutely miserable and there are
domestic engineers who are victoriously happy. What makes
the difference? you ask. Well, one does all to the glory of God
and the other does not. You can hold your head high and be
happy when you are at peace with God and yourself about your
calling and your answer to that calling.
This I know well. The two avenues of service I enjoy the
most are youth work and graphics. Nothing thrills me any
more than to see the expression on a young person's face when
he comes to know the reality of God; few things are more
fulfilling than to see young people united and "on fire" for the
Lord, especially when those young people are eager to know
more of Him. A printed page also fascinates me— I love to see
hours of planning and preparation turned into a work of "art."
I also know the demands of these callings. Both require
nothing short of one's best. But any job worth doing is worth
doing well.
Often, though, we confuse the person who is called with
the One who calls him. One is perfect; the other is not.
2
THE FREE WILL BAPTISI
MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE OPENS
$3 MILLION COLLEGE HALL
Mount Olive College opened the doors
Saturday to its $3 million College Hall and what
was proclaimed as a new era of service in the
institution's 30-year history.
Some 2,000 people were on hand for the
grand opening and a tour of the growing cam-
pus of what this year becomes the first four-
year college in the history of North Carolina's
Free Will Baptists.
Governor Jim Hunt, whose father serves as
chairman of the institution's Board of Trustees,
described the College as being "what the state,
the nation and mankind need. "
College Hall is a physical education-athle-
tic-civic and convention center designed to
serve not only the school but the denomination
and the entire community.
With a seating capacity of more than 2,000,
it is the largest facility of its kind in this area
of the state.
Governor Hunt noted that the state's Free
Will Baptists had embarked on their higher
education program with only $6.17 in their
budget.
They began the ltberal arts institution in an
abandoned public school building bought "on
time" for $25,000.
Dr. W. Burkette Raper, Mount Olive Col-
lege president, and Byron Bryan, speaking for
the community, pointed out that the new struc-
ture would provide opportunities for civic,
cultural, educational, recreational and other
programs not heretofore available in this area.
Until now the school had to rent facilities
for basketball and its other indoor athletic
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
functions. Athletic Director Robert McEvoy
said plans already are underway to greatly ex-
pand basketball and other sports camps held
there annually.
While dedication of the new facility will be
held later, the grand opening attracted one of
the largest groups ever to come to the campus.
One of the most popular events of the after-
noon was a performance by the Mount Olive
College Singers who drew a prolonged ovation
for a selection of patriotic numbers.
Providing music throughout the program
were the college Concert Choir and the North
Carolina Symphony Brass Quintet.
College Hall was constructed by T. A. Lov-
ing Company of Goldsboro at less cost and in
less time than had been projected.
At the conclusion of his remarks, Governor
Hunt was presented a carving of cardinals— the
state bird— by Bobby Ackiss, recognized as one
of the nation's top carvers of bird and wildfowl.
His wife has worked at the college for many
years.
The governor was introduced by Con-
gressman Charlie Whitley.
Also having parts on the program were
James B. Hunt Sr., chairman of the Board;
S. Woodrow McCoy, William P. Franklin of
T. A. Loving Company, College Vice President
for Finance James Coats, Finance Chairman
L. Marvin Edwards Jr., State Free Will Baptist
Convention President Gary M. Bailey, Student
Government Association President Earl Worley
Jr., and the Rev. De Wayne Eakes, president of
the State Convention Ministerial Association.
3
6 STEPS TO EFFECTIVE
DISCIPLE MAKING
(Used by permission of Pulpit Dii/est, P.O. Box 5199,
Jackson, Mississippi 39216.)
Part 2
It. Enhancing your witness.
As you think and plan how to
communicate God's love to
your Extended Family, the
question naturally arises, "But
what do I say?" To find the
answer to that question, let's
turn to the Bible.
In searching Scripture to
answer the question, "What do
I say," one is impressed that
there is no one simple formula
that was used. Every situation
was different. Jesus, in
teaching His disciples to be
fishers of men, used many dif-
ferent models. From Nico-
demus, the religious ruler who
was told he needed to be "born
again," to the woman of
Samaria who was offered water
of eternal life, to the thief on the
Cross who asked only to be
remembered when Christ came
into His kingdom. Each situa-
tion presented different needs,
portrayed different relation-
ships, used different words,
brought a different response.
Each situation was unique.
However, while there was not
one formula, there were com-
mon demoninators of the gospel
presentations which appeared
again and again in biblical
models. What were they?
The assumption of man's sin-
ful nature. The teachings of
Jesus, the Apostles, the Early
Church all assume the common
sinfulness of mankind. Because
of man's sinful nature, the
gospel embodies a call to repen-
tance and faith. Scripture
abounds with the recognition of
the sinfulness of mankind: "All
of us like sheep have gone
astray. Each of us has turned to
his own way, but the Lord has
caused the iniquity of us all to
fall on Him." Indeed, there is
not a righteous man on earth
who continually does good and
who never sins. "All have
sinned and and come short of
the glory of God." "... His laws
serve only to make us see we
are sinners." "If we say we
have no sin, we are only fooling
ourselves and refusing to ac-
cept the truth."
The focal point — Jesus
Christ. People in the New
Testament did not respond to a
series of theological proposi-
tions. They responded to a per-
son—Jesus Christ. "Come and
see . . . we have found the
Messiah," said Andrew.
"Come, see a man ... is not this
the Christ?" asked the woman
at the well. "We have met the
man spoken of in the Law,"
Philip told Nathaniel.
The target for witness —
responsive people. Jesus told
His followers: "As you enter
his house, give it your blessing
. . . but if no one will welcome
you, or even listen to what you
have to say, leave that house or
town, and once outside it, shake
the dust of that place from your
feet . . . ." Jesus was instruct-
ing His disciples to identify re-
ceptive people and communi-
cate the Good News to them.
Throughout the New Testa-
ment we are instructed to focus
on people who are willing to
listen and respond: "He that
has ears to hear, let him hear."
"Turn your eyes unto the fields
that are already white unto
harvest." "The seed sown on
good soil is the man who hears
and understands . . . ."
The starting place — the per-
son's need. Jesus' ministry of
healing focused on people's
needs . . . then their healing . . .
then their following of Christ.
"They that are whole need not a
physician, but they that are
sick." The Christian commit-
ment one sees in Scripture iij
not based on a series off
theological propositions to
believe in, but on a faith that!
makes people whole. "Then He!
said to her, 'My daughter, your
faith has made you whole.' "
The instrument of God — peo-
ple. God uses people, in most
cases, to bring other people to
Himself. Conversions do not
take place in a vacuum. Philip
was there to interpret the Scrip-
ture for the Ethiopian. Peter!
was there to help Cornelius.'
Paul was there to help Lydia.
When the people in the New
Testament came to faith, they
came through the influence and
help of others.
The proclamation — the
"kerygma. " There were impor-
tant essentials that comprised!
that first Good News pro-
claimed by the Early Church.
The kerygma (a Greek noun
meaning "proclamation" or
"preached message") was the
earliest gospel Christ's apostles
took out to their world. Ar-
chibald Hunter reviews the
essentials of this kerygma.
"The prophesies are fulfilled!
. . . the Messiah has come. He is
Jesus of Nazareth, the servant
of the Lord . . . who was
crucified according to God's
purpose, was raised from the
dead on the third day, is now
exalted to God's right hand,
and will come in glory for judg-
ment. Therefore, repent,
believe this Good News, and be
baptized for the forgiveness of
your sins and the gift of the
Holy Spirit."
This message was preached
by all the apostles. At
Pentecost, Peter preached,
"Therefore let all the house of
Israel know for certain that
God has made Him both Lord
and Christ." Paul proclaimed
that through Christ, "God was
manifest in the flesh, justified
in the Spirit, seen of angels,
preached unto the Gentiles,
believed on in the world, re-
ceived up into glory."
(Continued Next Week)
4
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
THE CHURCH
LOOKS AT DIVORCE
by De Wayne Eakcs
Part 2
I am aware of one specific incidence in
which a man had been a long-time upstanding
leader in his church. He was nominated for the
office of deacon. The pastor and some others
blocked the nomination because he had been
divorced and remarried. The man was a
member in good standing, a leader, faithful in
attendance, and a tither, but he could not be a
deacon. He was, in effect, relegated to a
"second-class church membership and a
second-class Christianity."
Divorced persons who are Christians are
Christians who have failed in a tremendously
significant aspect of life. "They are still Chris-
tians, however, and they have a proper and im-
portant place in the Christian fellowship" (p.
50, Roger Crook).
The problem of marriage failure is not
minimized, it is serious; nor do I minimize the
importance of offices held in the church or
qualifications for office. If we literally enforced
ill the qualifications everybody would be dis-
qualified. The Bible and church must present to
all persons the highest ideals of Christian con-
duct.
The church quite properly tries to entrust leadership
to the best qualified persons. To have a regulation,
however, which bars a person who is in good stand-
ing from the church from holding an office is a bit
hypocritical. It is to say, "You may have a limited
membership in the Christian community. You may
do this, but not that. You may worship. You may con-
tribute your money. But you may not contribute your
services" (p. 61, Roger Crook).
I hope and pray that we are not doing that
to our people who come needing healing,
jnderstanding and forgiveness. Divorce brings
snough guilt. As the church we certainly do not
need to compound it. We need to incorporate
these people into our fellowship just as we do
any other sinner. We need to use their talents,
abilities and gifts in whatever ways God may
open to them.
As you know our denomination does not
pronounce moral "Canons" on these issues. It
is left up to the minister and the church to set
policy on this issue of divorce. It is interesting
to note that in 1950 the Western Conference
passed a motion forbidding the licensing and
ordination of people who were divorced. In 1981
that motion was rescinded recognizing that
divorce or even adultery are sins, but they can
be forgiven, and if God can forgive these sins,
we must do so!
III. Toward Developing a Theology of Divorce.
I believe that Jesus meant what He said
about the most important commandment (Mat-
thew 22:37-40). He said that when you have
fulfilled this commandment you have fulfilled
or satisfied the demands of the Law and the ex-
hortations of the prophets. I believe that this
"Greatest Commandment" calls the Christian
who takes seriously his discipleship to do the
most loving thing in any given situation. Jesus
always did; is He not our example? According
to Jesus the supreme commandment is love. It
is not always easy to do the "Loving thing."
I will share with you what I believe about
divorce and remarriage:
1. I believe that marriage is intended by God to
be a permanent union between one man and one
woman.
2. I believe that real or genuine "Holy
Matrimony" is a covenant relationship between God
and the couple.
3. I believe that the only basis for marriage is
genuine love — "Love is allowing the other person to
be who/what they are without trying to mold them in-
to what you want them to be." (Only God can really
change a human being, let's leave re-creation to the
Creator. )
4. I believe that divorce is both a tragedy (for
everyone included) and an evil resulting from sin. It
is a manifestation of evil. It is the breaking of the
basic human relationship, one intended to form the
deepest and most intimate relationship that any two
persons can share.
5. Some divorces clearly result from sin and
selfish actions of one or both people involved. Other
divorces, resulting from evil and causing pain, may
or may not be acts of sin.
6. Is divorce an evidence of sin/evil? Yes! Is it
an unforgiveable sin? No!
7. Divorce often is a choice between the lesser
of two evils, not a choice between good and evil.
a. I believe to live with a person without
really loving them in the context of mar-
riage is just as much sin as to live with
someone without being married!
b. When one party physically or emotionally
abuses the spouse, which is worse, to live in
a literal "hell" or to divorce?
8. The issue is not whether divorce is painful or
a result of sin. Normally it is both and very rarely
will you find a completely "innocent party." Here is
the real question: Among the available options
(desertion, continuation of a bad marriage, perma-
nent separation, divorce, homicide, suicide), which is
the best or most "human' '/loving solution?
9. I believe that divorce is, at times, the only
reasonable or "Christian" solution.
10. I also believe that divorce is a "last ditch"
effort to be used only after all other avenues have
been genuinely tried and have failed. ( One of the first
questions I ask a person who comes to me with
marital problems is, "Do you want to work on saving
your marriage?" "Why do you want to save it?")
11. God desires faithfulness in marriage as He
does all other relationships. The purpose of marriage
is for the mutual fulfillment of both parties.
(Continued Next Week)
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
5
A LOVING TRIBUTE IN CELEBRATION
OF THE BEAUTIFUL LIFE OF MOTHER JANE WARREN
Marshall and Jane Warren
On January 23, 1983, she
quietly slipped away from our
midst for her heavenly
homecoming. Oh! how we miss
her. Each Sabbath day here at
Saint Paul Church, Newton
Grove, we are keenly aware of
the vacancy on the right side of
the sanctuary, second pew,
which she occupied so many
wonderful years. She would
have been eighty-eight years
old, April 3. Those years were
filled with usefulness and
labors of love. She truly ex-
emplified the beautiful poem,
' 'Let Me Live in a House by the
Side of the Road and Be a
Friend of Man." She truly was
a friend to mankind, especially
the less fortunate. She was a
compassionate, loving, caring
and sharing person. A truly
special lady!
She was born on April 3, 1895.
Her parents were Joe and Hep-
sie Bass. At 19, she became the
lovely bride of Marshall War-
ren, a very fine young
gentleman, a neighbor from a
highly respected and promi-
nent family. They shared sixty
years of marriage, until his
death at age eighty-four, on
June 19, 1974. They were a
wonderful couple who brought
many blessings to our com-
munity and especially to our
church. Their only child,
Dewey, and his precious wife,
the former Annie Laura Britt,
presented Daddy Marshall and
Mother Jane six fine grand-
children which proved to be the
crowning joy of their lives.
Great grandchildren added
even more happiness to this
close-knit family.
In retrospect we can truly ap-
preciate Daddy Marshall and
Mother Jane even more. We all
affectionately use these names
whether we're family or
friends. Their golden deeds are
monuments to the beautiful
lives they lived before us. We
recall so very many ways they
helped to make things move
forward, especially in our
church. He was a very suc-
cessful farmer and business-
man, a wonderful neighbor and
dedicated Christian. He sup-
ported our church in any way
he could right up 'til his death.
He served on the Board of
Trustees in the early years. He
donated land for parking space.
He was faithful and active
always.
Mother Jane's record is
unique in our church. She was
also a great neighbor. She was
first of all a wife and
mother— an old fashioned salt
of the earth type of lady, a
wonderful homemaker with
that unbeatable down home
cooking ability. Her specialty
was her old fashioned apple-
jacks—hers took the blue rib-
bon. At our auxiliary bake sales
they sold like the proverbial hot
cakes for $1 each. She kept this
going until a month before her
death. Her faith and zest for life
are a continuing challenge and
inspiration to all of us who
knew and loved her. She truly
let her light shine and it con-
tinues to shine on in the lives of
others. She was determined to
come to church activities and
help, up to the very last, when
she was getting feeble and j
almost unable to get around
without the faithful loving sup-
port of Jo Anne and Barbara
and others. She was a positive j
person and a real winner! We
saw her determination not only
to come to church but to attend
her great granddaughter's
wedding. It was sort of her way
of thanking Barbara for being,
so good to her.
We remember most of all the
wonderful part she had in get-
ting our Ladies Auxiliary
organized and off to a good
start. Someone has beautifully
said, "Auxiliary work is an ex-
tension of the loving, caring,
compassionate arm of God."
We believe this and so did
Mother Jane. In August, 1925,
the dedicated Christian ladies
of our church met at her house !
and organized our continuing1
auxiliary. Beginning with thir-j
teen (13) charter members whoi
were dedicated faithful Chris- 1
tian ladies, it flourished and
contributed greatly to our!
church and community. Mother
Jane served as first president1
and proved to be the only one of
the charter members to remain1
living and serving from
1925-1983, a total of fifty-eight|
years. She missed very few
meetings, and her contribution
to it was unequaled. She filled
almost all the offices plus beingj
Sunday school teacher, Bible
school worker, and pianist for
many years. Her favorite
hymns included "What a
Friend We Have in Jesus,"
"Love Lifted Me" and "Amaz-
ing Grace." She fed her share
(Continued on Page 18)
6
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
News 81 Notes
NEW CHURCH WING UNDER CONSTRUCTION
The members of Marlboro Church, Farmviiie, gathered out-
side after the morning message on January 1, 1984, to participate in
the groundbreaking service for the church's new wing. Work began
on the construction site the next day. This unit will provide a large
fellowship area for the congregation; kitchen and restroom
facilities are also included in this unit.
The Rev. Scott Sowers serves as pastor of Marlboro Church.
Upcoming Revival Scheduled
At Free Union Church
The members and pastor of
Free Union Church, Beaufort
County, cordially invite
everyone to join them in their
upcoming revival services. The
services will begin on Monday
evening, January 23, and con-
tinue through Friday, January
27. All services will begin at
7:30 p.m. and special music is
scheduled nightly. The Rev.
Bruce Jones, pastor of King's
Cross Roads Church, Farm-
viiie, will be the guest speaker.
The Rev. Aubrey Williamson
is pastor of Free Union Church.
Otway Church to Consecrate
Education Building
The members of Otway
Church near Beaufort will con-
secrate their new educational
building on January 22, at 3
p.m. All pastors and area
churches are invited to attend
this service.
The following is a schedule of
service :
Prelude, Organ
Invocation, the Rev. Jerry Rowe
Welcome, Mrs. Norman Gillikin
Hymn, Congregation
Responsive Reading, the Rev. David C.
Hansley
Prayer, the Rev. Howard Starling,
Pastor
Vocal Selection, Mr. Bobby Golden and
Mr. Mike Taylor
Choir
Comments, the Rev. Gary Bailey
Recognition of Special Representa-
tives, Pastor
Awards Presentation, Pastor
Choir
Address, the Rev. Carol B. Hansley
Litany of Consecration, Pastor
Prayer of Consecration
Hymn, Congregation
Benediction, Pastor
Benedictory Response, Congregation
Postlude
Macedonia Sunday School
Has Training Program
The Macedonia Sunday
School, Ernul, held a certifica-
tion training program during
the month of February, 1983.
Members involved in the pro-
gram complied with the
qualifications and completed
the require courses.
Mr. Denny Gaskins pre-
sented the awards December
18, 1983, during the Sunday
school hour. Members receiv-
ing certificates from the
Education Committee of the
Sunday School Convention were
as follows: Robert Baysden,
Anita Beasock, Terry Beasock,
Colleen Gaskins, Lindbergh
Mills, Barbara Shackelford,
Doris Shackelford, and Debbie
Taylor.
Study of Teen Alcohol
Use Planned
For six consecutive Sunday
evenings, the Pine Level
Church will conduct a study on
teenage alcohol use and abuse.
The dates of the study are
February 5, 12, 19, 26, and
March 4 and 11. Each session
will begin at 8 p.m. at the
church and last about one hour.
The basis of the study will be
material published by the
Christian Life Commission of
the Southern Baptist Conven-
tion. "The intent of this study is
to present teenagers and their
parents with the facts concern-
ing alcohol use and its effects
upon the lives of individuals
and families," says the Rev.
Donald Coates, pastor.
Topics to be covered include
(1) "Things You Should Know
About Alcohol"; (2) "Why Do
People Drink?"; (3) "Talking
About Drinking and Driving";
(4) "The Bible Speaks on
Alcohol"; (5) "Making Up
Your Mind"; (6) "How You
Can Help." Each session will
include small group discussions
and activities aimed at enforc-
ing the lessons of each session.
All interested teenagers and
parents of teenagers are in-
vited to participate. There will
be no charge for the study;
however, anyone is asked to
notify Mr. Coates by January
21, if he would like to attend. He
may be reached by phone at
965-6740, or at Box 337, Pine
Level, North Carolina 27568.
(Continued on Page 18)
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
The Rev. Aubrey Williamson
now has a change of address. It
is Route 1, Box 97, Pinetown,
North Carolina 27865.
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
7
January is
FreejVill Baptist
Month
Sunday, January 22, 1984
is
Retirement Homes Sunday
P.O. BOX 250 I
MIDDLESEX, NORTH CAROLINA 27557
TELEPHONE 235-2161
8
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
SCENES FROM
College Hall
GRAND OPENING
i
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
COLLEGE HALL CHAIRS PASS HALF-WAY MARK
During the week of January 4-9, a total of 137 chairs were con-
tributed for College Hall. These gifts bring to 432 the number of
chairs given toward a goal of 800.
Summary: Through January 9
Needed 800 Chairs ($50 Each) $40,000
Gifts to Date 432 Chairs 21,600
Balance 368 $18,400
432 Chairs Through January 9
Number
Donors of Chairs Amount
In Honor of Mrs. Julia Mercer i 1 $ 50
By Gene Mercer, Mount Olive
In Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Rhodes 2 100
By Gene Mercer, Mount Olive
In Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Mercer 2 100
By Gene Mercer, Mount Olive
In Memory of Mr. Ralph Mercer l 50
By Gene Mercer, Mount Olive
(Turn the Page)
IHE FREE WILL BAPTIST
11
In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. Weils Thomas
By Gene Mercer, Mount Olive
In Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Treat Brown
By Dianne B. Riley, New Bern
In Honor of Mr. Gibson Riley
By Dianne B. Riley, New Bern
In Memory of Jimmie W. Harris
By Lillie H. Case, Tarboro
In Memory of Sue Mae Harris
By Lillie H. Case, Tarboro
In Memory of Roy R. Case
By Donald E. Case, Tarboro
In Honor of Etta C. Case
By Donald E. Case, Tarboro
In Honor of the Rev. Mike Scott
By Wintergreen Woman's Auxiliary, Cove City
In Honor of Mrs. Amy B. Scott
By Wintergreen Woman's Auxiliary, Cove City
In Memory of Janet Brewer
By Dublin Grove Ladies Aid, Aurora
Dublin Grove Church, Aurora
In Honor of Mrs. Dianne B. Riley
By Mr. and Mrs. Owen Peele and Family,
Aurora
Sallie V. Thompson, Aurora
Moseley's Creek League, Dover
Mr. and Mrs. Edwin G. Roper, Belhaven
In Honor of the Rev. and Mrs. Calvin Heath
By Free Union Woman's Auxiliary, Walstonburg
Sandy Plain Church, Beulaville
Mount Tabor Church, Creswell
Union Chapel Church, Middlesex
In Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Dail
By Grover and Nita Hester, Winterville
In Memory of Mrs. Mattie Lane
By Rock of Zion Woman's Auxiliary, Grantsboro
Piney Grove Church, Kenly
In Honor of the Rev. Boyd L. Shook
By Verona Ladies Auxiliary, Verona
In Honor of Mrs. Ruth Shook
By Verona Ladies Auxiliary, Verona
In Memory of William Manning
By Oak Grove Church, Vanceboro
In Honor of Bill and Lou McLawhorn
By Janie and George Fouke, Ohio
In Honor of Bill and Lou McLawhorn
By Billy and Martha McLawhorn, Grifton
In Honor of Dot and Jack Dail
By Mike, Brad, and Judy Bowen, Winterville
In Honor of Bill and Lou McLawhorn
By Nancy and Bill May, Marietta, GA
In Honor of the Rev. and Mrs. C. L. Patrick
By Barbara, Charles Jr., and Alan Herring,
Kinston
In Honor of the Rev. and Mrs. C. L. Patrick
By the Ray Clark Family, Snow Hill
In Memory of Ottis Miller and Annie Outlaw
Kennedy
By Calvin and Marilyn Mercer, Smithfield
In Honor of the Rev. Adrian E. Brown
By Nan and Adrian Brown, Virginia Beach,
VA
In Memory of Mrs. Hannah C. Brown
By Nan and Adrian Brown, Virginia Beach,
VA
Christian Chapel Church, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Biel-
by, and Mr. and Mrs. Sherwood L. Quinn,
Pink Hill
In Honor of the Rev. Chris Singleton
By Mr. and Mrs. Allen Quinn, Beulaville
In Honor of Vickie Singleton
By Mr. and Mrs. Allen Quinn, Beulaville
(Continued on Page 18)
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
4
1
100
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
200
50
50
100
50
100
200
100
150
50
50
250
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
THE
CHRISTIAN NURTURER
by Bass Mitchell
Something new you might
like to try during the opening
assembly of the Sunday school
is to let the various classes take
turns presenting a short pro-
gram based on and intended to
illustrate the Sunday school
lesson for each Sunday. A
schedule could be posted on a
bulletin board so that each
class would know when it is
their turn. Let me share some
examples of how this could be
used.
For a lesson on prayer, the
junior class could come out
holding signs they had made
Each sign would have written
on it a different form of prayer
like adoration, thanksgiving,
confession, petition, interces-
sion, and dedication. The
children could explain each
kind of prayer and then give an
example of it.
For a lesson on the story of
the prodigal son, the senior
high class could use role play-j
ing to act it out. One person'
could be the prodigal, another!
the elder son, and others could1
be the friends of the prodigal. It'
could be rehearsed. It could be
used as a discussion starter in1
the classes.
For a lesson on one of the
psalms like Psalm 103, the
young adult class, in coopera-
tion with the church musicians,1
could prepare and perform a1
medley of the hymns inspired'
by this great psalm. It could be1
a moving introduction to any
psalm. After all, the psalms are
for singing more than for
analyzing.
You will find that this idea
will have numerous benefits. It!
helps create a deeper
fellowship among the class!
members as they work together!
to plan their programs. It
fosters the use of the imagina-
tion and stimulates creativity.
It is educational. Everyone:
learns through the planning
and performing.
12
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
OUR RESPONSIBILITY
EE WILL BAPTIST
CHILDREN'S HOME
ESTAB 1920
Reflecting upon the many opportunities of service that God has
jranted to us makes us aware that with the opportunity comes the
*esponsibility to see that we do our very best and give our very
jest. We live in a world that often seems so complex. "Complexity"
s a word often used to describe our social and work environments.
\nd all of us, through our personal experience or our professional
nvolvement, are aware of pressures felt by the family group in
'esponse to increasing demands— demands stemming from rela-
ionships between family and work, family and community, family
ind kin and family and friends. These essential, but intricate,
inkages present a constant challenge to the integrity of the family
init— whether traditional or non-traditional. Dealing with our own
jersonal family shoulders us with great responsibility and one that
s welcomed by most parents. If we make a mistake (and we do) we
lave to accept the responsibility of that mistake and the way it af-
ects our lives.
God has granted to us the opportunity to serve children through
mr Child Care Ministry. And with this opportunity of service,
;omes the responsibility to do our very best— and to give our very
)est. The magnitude of this sometimes seems to be overwhelming
>ecause we are involved in service to God's most precious
•esource— His children. Please pray for your Child Care Ministry
;ach and every day. We realize that only with His help and
guidance can we fulfill the opportunity and responsibility granted
o us.
Bobby R. Taylor
Executive Director
'PILLOW TALK"
No, we're not talking about an old "Elvis" movie! We're talk-
ing about growing! Currently, we only lack filling three beds before
operating Central and State Cottages to full capacity. We are
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
Children's Home
already making preliminary
preparations for getting Rogers
Cottage ready for use. There
will be many needs, both fore-
seen and unforeseen. But we
will hold true to our commit-
ment to keep you informed.
With the current trend in
growth, we have recently in-
ventoried our "pillow supply."
Many of our pillows are quite
"worn," consequently war-
ranting replacement. With the
prospect of opening Rogers Cot-
tage, we will be needing addi-
tional pillow provisions. Our
assessment came out to a need
of about twenty-five pillows
(new or in good condition). If
any church would like to help,
we would suggest sponsoring a
"pillow drive." Please call our
offices before beginning the
project so that there will be a
minimum of overlapping.
Thank you again for your help.
And you can depend upon us to
inform you of our needs to pro-
vide a more complete ministry
for YOUR Children's Home!
INDEPENDENT LIVING
The Children's Home has
recently developed a new pro-
gram, Independent Living, for
adolescents who are preparing
to live in the outside world once
they leave here. The basic
goals on independent training
are to assist young adults in
decision-making, becoming
more responsible, and acquir-
ing the needed personal, educa-
tional, social, and vocational
skills for functioning adequate-
ly in everyday life.
Congratulations are in order
for one of the residents par-
ticipating in the independent
living program. She has ob-
tained her first permanent job
placement with Aeroquip in
Middlesex. Another resident is
continuing her education at
Wilson Technical Institute,
studying General Office. We
are very proud of the
girls— keep up the good work!
13
Dr. Lall family: Sitting left to right, Anup hall. Dr. hall, Mrs. Lall, Anil Lall;
standing left to right, Manisha, Risha III, Reena II, Anita.
We have taken leave of the old year, and we know that we are
children of the future. Time does not stand still; this we know from
the past. The blessings which the Heavenly Father has so far
granted unto us, His own, have become our firm possession which
we guard as a diadem, always remembering that we would not like
to stand before the Lord empty-handed when He comes. All the
proofs of His mercy which we have received were answers by our
eternal, kind Father, reassuring us that He never forsakes His own.
And this we also want to experience in the future !
In our mind we glance across the ocean of time and can already
see yonder shore, where we have an eternal home, towards which
we are hastening. People in the world are confronted with unsolved
problems : this cannot be said of the souls baptized with the Spirit.
Also in the new year, our way is outlined for us by the Lord, for we
are children of light and of day, not children of night and darkness.
In our hands we hold the staff of faith, and our support is the Word
of Jesus: "While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be
the children of light" (John 12:36).
Why should we be afraid of the Spirit ruling in our time? The
natural creation is guided by its Creator with a sure hand, who up to
now saw to it that the sun, the moon, and the stars systematically
served their respective purpose. An incontestable order has also
been set up in the spiritual creation of the Son of God, where the
Spirit of God is the only ruler, and where everything happens ac-
cording to the will of the Almighty. And just as no earthly power
has up to now been able to remove the luminaries from the sky,
thus Jesus, the bridegroom of our souls, whom we sincerely love
and whom we follow will never permit the merit of His supreme
sacrifice to be annulled.
The Lord is and remains the Pilot, the Finisher of His plan of
salvation. Even though we have often caused Him concern, He
nevertheless covered up all our weaknesses and imperfections with
the full measure of His grace and thus redeemed us from all the
claims of the evil one. On our banner of faith will also in the new
year be found His word : "... neither shall any man pluck them out
of my hand" (John 10:28). Also in the new year we belie vingly wait
for Him to provide food for our souls at the appropriate time.
Dr. E.M. Lall
WORLD MISSIONS
CONFERENCE
The World Missions Con-
ference on March 9, 1984,
sponsored by the Board of
Foreign Missions, on the
Mount Olive College cam-
pus, is for everyone. The
theme of the conference is
"Increase Our Vision,
Lord."
This conference will
benefit every pastor, the
men and women of our
churches and our youth.
Dr. William Bennett, our
guest speaker, leads a
number of youth and Bible
conferences each year. He
has a God-given ability to
communicate to all peo-
ple.
A special time of prayer
for the conference will
begin the day's activities
at 9 a.m. for those who can
arrive this early. Coffee
and donuts will be served
from 9:30 to 9:55 a.m.
The first seminar with
Dr. Bennett will begin at
10 a.m.
A great world missions
rally will be held in Col-
lege Hall at 7:30 p.m. Dr.
Bennett will speak. The
van der Plas Family will
be commissioned. Phil
Shepard, vice president
of the State Youth Conven-
tion, will share a
testimony. Phil has ap-
plied with the Board as a
summer missionary to the
Philippines.
Let's fill College Hall for
this rally. This mission
conference is a must for
every Free Will Baptist.
Be sure to attend. You'll
be glad you did!
There will not be a registration
fee for the conference. An offer-
ing will be received during the
rally in College Hall to cover the
expenses of the conference. All
funds received above the con-
ference expenses will be applied
toward the air fare for the van
der Plas Family's trip to the
Philippines.
14
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1
Sunday School Lesson
For January 22
TURN TO THE LORD
Lesson Text: Isaiah 31:1-7
Memory Verse : Isaiah 30 : 15
When the term antichrist is
mentioned, of what do you
think? Naturally, it suggests
that which is opposed to Christ,
and anyone or anything in op-
position to Him might be so
designated. In this sense John
tells us that there are "many
antichrists" (1 John 2:18). Sur-
prisingly, to some, the term an-
tichrist does not appear in the
Book of Revelation, but the con-
sept behind it is there in the
struggle between the forces of
jood and the forces of evil. In
Revelation some see the
Roman Empire, in its terrible
Dersecution of Christians, as
jvidence of the antichrist. And
iown through history, various
)ther powers of evil that have
ihreatened the church have
jeen so identified.
If you were asked, "What is
;he greatest evil confronting
;he world and the church to-
iay?" what would you answer?
^o doubt many would say that
I is the rise of atheistic com-
nunism, Satanic in its power.
\nd some do think of the
•egime in Russia in terms of
he antichrist. Here is a power-
ul government diametrically
>pposed to the Christian ideal,
•esting directly on violence,
ind unrestricted by any con-
;epts of moral absolutes. Her
eaders assume for themselves
he prerogatives of God, so it
>ecomes necessary for them to
leny that God exists. To admit
hat there is a God would be to
imit their own authority, and
his they will not do. The
eaders are supreme. The
itizens are accounted only as
:attle, to be driven or to be
lacrificed as the State dictates.
There is no question that such
i system is antichrist, opposed
o the Christian ideal in which
every person is equal under
God and is to be respected as an
individual. But how do we meet
the threat that communism
poses, or any other threat of
evil? And how do we hope to
overcome it? If at the close of
our study we are able to answer
this question in the light of our
Scripture, then we will have
grasped the basic truth that
Isaiah would have us know.
At the time of our lesson
there were two world
powers— Assyria and Egypt—
vying for control of the Middle
East, and Palestine was
situated between the two.
Assyria was the dominant
power, and from Nineveh her
mighty armies spread out
southward, to keep Babylon in
subjection, and westward. It is
understandable that Judah,
small as she was, would be
greatly alarmed whenever the
war chariots of such a foe
began to roll. The all-important
question of what to do had to be
asked over and over again.
Against the advice of the
prophets, the usual procedure
was to seek an alliance with
other kingdoms against the cur-
rent enemy. It may be that the
prophets considered such
alliances to be bad politics. But
specifically they recognized
that to trust in the might of
foreign powers was a rejection
of God's will and of God's help.
It was evidence of a lack of
faith.
The Assyrians had captured
Samaria, the capital of Israel,
in 721 B.C., after a seige of
three years (2 Kings 17:5, 6).
After some years of Assyrian
domination, Hezekiah, king of
Judah, "rebelled against the
king of Assyria, and served him
not" (2 Kings 18:7). Basically a
good king who put his trust in
God, Hezekiah probably was
overly influenced by the strong
pro-Egyptian party in Jeru-
salem. In any case, he sent an
embassy to Egypt seeking help
from that source.
On one occasion, when Jesus
said to His disciples, "Will ye
also go away?" the Apostle
Peter replied, "Lord, to whom
shall we go? thou hast the
words of eternal life" (John
6:67). Before we have
squandered our religious
heritage completely, we should
be concerned that every soul in
the land be challenged to turn
to God. What after all, is the
alternative? He alone is the liv-
ing God. To whom or to what
else can we go? The folly of
idolatry is no less today than it
was twenty-seven hundred
years ago. In our own day we
see the depraved results when
godlessness is substituted for
reverence for God and
righteousness in the land. The
ages of history have demon-
strated that "righteousness ex-
alteth a nation" and "sin
is a reproach to any people"
(Proverbs 14:34). Whatever
problems confront us, we can
best meet them by doing
everything we can to turn peo-
ple to the Lord.— Standard
Lesson Commentary
YOU'LL BE GLAD
YOU DID!
[HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
15
Family Devotions
SUNDAY,
JANUARY
22
Scripture Reading— Exodus 14-16
THAT HE MIGHT
HAVE THE PRE-EMINENCE
Years ago, there lived in Switzerland a great
schoolmaster whose name was Pestalozzi. He
was held in highest esteem and greatly loved,
especially by the children who came under his
character-molding influence.
At his death, it was generally felt that a
monument, commemorative of his life of selfless
service, should be erected, though the
schoolmaster had erected an enduring memorial
in the hearts of others.
The monument was erected. The day for its
unveiling came. The sculptor had succeeded so
well in reproducing the likeness of the
schoolmaster that all looked upon the statue with
hushed reverence and admiration. The teacher
was shown looking down upon the kneeling form
of a little child whose uplifted gaze focused upon
the face of the teacher.
Though the statue was a wonderful work of
art, the schoolmaster's most intimate friends
felt that the sculptor had failed to represent the
dominant desire of the pedagogue— not to have
those he taught to look with wonderment upon
him, but to look upward to the challenging
heights of goals as yet unattained, and to God.
So a change was made. At the second unveil-
ing all were pleased to see a kneeling child, look-
ing, not at the face of the teacher, but to the
beckoning beyond.
Any Sunday school teacher and preacher is
an eminent success who so exalts Christ that all
will see the One whose worthiness is extolled and
whose praise ceaselessly sung in glory — "that in
all things he might have the pre-eminence! "
MONDAY,
JANUARY
23
Scripture Reading— Exodus 17-19
THE MYSTERIOUS VISITOR
'Twas just before Christmas. A pastor sat in
his study meditating upon the words, "The
knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord." Looking
out the window, he saw people scurrying hither,
thither and yon, like ants disturbed on an anthill.
He asked himself, "What knowledge of Christ do
these hurrying people have? What knowledge of
Him do the people to whom I preach have? What
are their innermost attitudes toward Him?" As
he pondered these searching questions, he
seemed to see in vision a caller who asked,
"Shall I tell you what Christ means to your peo-
ple?" The caller spoke calmly and solemnly.
"Can you?" asked the pastor; "and how did you
know what I was thinking about?"
The caller began, "Some of your people
think of Christ as they would think of a generous
rich uncle. Ceaselessly they ask Him for things.!
Others think of Him as a great teacher. They arej
stimulated intellectually to hear learned
discourses about Him. Some think of Him as an
errand boy whom they flippantly order to help
them."
"Oh, mysterious caller, is this an accurate
picture of my people?" asked the minister.
"Yes," said the caller sadly but firmly. Then
he concluded, "But to some He is an ever-
present, never-failing friend and confidant! Toi
some, He is the Fairest among ten thousands and
the altogether lovely One!" As the caller said(
this, he receded and vanished, disappearing as
mysteriously as he had appeared.
"Was I asleep?" asked the startled pastor,!
"or has an angel visited me, or has Christ:
himself been here?"
Lord, of the years that are left to me,
I give them to Thy hand,
Take me and break me and mould me,
To the pattern Thou hast planned!
TUESDAY,
JANUARY
2\
Scripture Reading— Exodus 20-22
THE CHRISTIAN'S HORIZON
What do I see as I look back?
Millions of mercies along life's track;
God's love shining where all was black;
That's what I see,
Looking back.
What do I see as I look within?
A heart by my Saviour redeemed from sin;
A hope, through His grace, Heaven's joys to win;
That's what I see,
Looking in.
What do I see, looking forth today?
Blessings granted before I pray;
A sheltering arm, a guiding ray;
This do I see,
Today.
What do I see as I look on?
Burdens lifted and trials gone;
A light at even, surpassing dawn;
That's what I see,
Looking on.
16
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
What do I see as I look above?
God's own banner, whose name is Love:
Love unspeakable, wonderful love;
That's what I see,
Above!
WEDNESDAY,
FANUARY
25
cripture Reading— Exodus 23-25
BE WHAT GOD WANTS YOU TO BE
A little boy rather thoughtlessly said, "Mom-
nie, I am going to be a preacher when I am
iig! " The mother was elated. Frequently during
is boyhood days the mother would proudly say,
'My boy is going to be a preacher! "
How much better it would have been if the
nother had said, "My boy is going to be what
Jod wants him to be."
In time the boy entered a theological
eminary. Some months later, he came into the
ffice of the dean, a picture of defeat and dejec-
ion. "I'm a total misfit here. I have no interest
i going further with my studies. God hasn't
ailed me to be a preacher!" The heart of the
lean went out in sympathy to the young man. He
:new that he, like many others, had been
iressurized into the ministry where God had
tever intended him to be.
To know the will of God is the greatest
nowledge. To do the will of God is the greatest
chievement.
FHURSDAY,
FANUARY
26
cripture Reading— Exodus 26-28
MY JESUS AS THOU WILT!
How variable are the ambitions of growing
toys! A minister's little boy said, "I'm going to
ie a streetcar conductor." Later he said, "I'm
joing to be an engineer." Still later he said, "I'm
;oing to be a ball player." One day he saw the
;arbage collector dumping garbage into a big
ruck. He was fascinated and said, "I'm going to
•e a garbage collector! " His daddy was wise. He
aid to the boy, "My boy, you must be what God
/ants you to be. God needs ministers and mis-
ionaries. He also needs Christian school
eachers, Christian nurses, Christian doctors,
Christian judges and lawyers, and Christian
tusinessmen. God has a plan for your life. Ask
lim, 'Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?' "
Thou, God, each day help me to find
The work that Thou wouldst have me do.
Keep me from sullenness of mind,
Grant unto me good thoughts and true.
And if Thy will be not my choice,
Some duty I would rather shun,
Then teach me to sincerely voice,
"Thou art my God, Thy will be done. "
And grant me vision enough to see
Within the task Thy plan for me.
FRIDAY, 07
JANUARY
Scripture Reading — Exodus 29-31
STORM
God washed the world last night
With sweet, refreshing rain ;
And thirsty earth reached up to drink
Of that life-giving gain.
God washed my heart last night
With tears, both bitter, sweet;
He probed in hidden corners, dark
And washed it clear, complete.
"My child," His voice spoke sweet and low,
"This storm came as a grace;
Lean hard upon my breast, dear one,
And look into my face."
Completely spent, I looked and prayed,
"Dear Father, be it Thine,
To mold and make me as Thou wilt,
Thy will forever mine."
True devotion to God consists in doing all His
will precisely at the time, in the situation, and
under the circumstances in which He has placed
us.
SATURDAY, 28
JANUARY
Scripture Reading — Exodus 32-34
HIS PLAN FOR ME
When I stand at the judgment seat of Christ,
And He shows me His plan for me,
The plan of my life as it might have been
Had He had His way, and I see
How I blocked Him here, and I checked Him
there
And I would not yield my will—
Will there be grief in my Saviour's eyes,
Grief, though He loves me still?
Lord of the years that are left to me,
I give them to Thy hand;
Take me and break me, mold me to
The pattern Thou hast planned.
Portions selected from Knight's Treasury of Illustra-
tions, Walter B. Knight.
FHE FREE WILL BAPTIST
17
MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE
(Continued from Page 12)
In Honor of Mildred W. Pelt 1
By the Rev. Chester H. Pelt, Marianna, FL
Mr. Eddie Bowen, Ayden 1
In Honor of Bob Fussell 1
By Moseley's Creek Woman's Auxiliary,
Dover
In Memory of Mrs. H. S. Tolan 1
By Belhaven Church, Belhaven
In Memory of Dollie Susan Quinn 1
By Dr. Clifton L. Quinn, Raleigh
In Memory of Viola Barrow Turnage 1
By Mrs. Helen T. Beaman, Snow Hill
Mrs. Mary P. Thigpen, Beulaville 1
In Honor of the Rev. and Mrs. A. Graham Lane 1
By New Bethlehem Ladies Auxiliary, Grants-
boro
In Memory of Mrs. Bertha Thompson 1
By Oriental Church, Oriental
In Memory of Mrs. Edith Kemp 1
By Oriental Church, Oriental
Third Eastern District Youth Fellowship 1
Powhatan Church, Clayton 6
In Memory of Mr. Alfred W. Massengill 1
By Bethel Sunday School, Four Oaks
In Honor of Mr. S. Woodrow McCoy 1
By Scott and Shearin McCoy, Cove City
In Honor of Mrs. Edith H. McCoy 1
By Scott and Shearin McCoy, Cove City
Mr. and Mrs. Ivery Daughtry, Smithfield 2
Kings Cross Roads Laymen's League, Farmville 2
Beaverdam Church and Sunday School, Whitevile 10
In Memory of James Atlas Pittman 1
By Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Pittman, Kenly
In Memory of Clifton Ferrell 1
By Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Pittman, Kenly
Sound Side Laymen's League, Columbia 1
In Honor of the Rev. and Mrs. David T. Ricks 2
By Peace Church, Pinetops
Willing Workers Sunday School Class of Winter-
ville Church 1
Deep Run Church, Deep Run 9
Mr. and Mrs. James Kirby, Fremont 1
In Honor of John and Arlinda Williams 2
By Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Wilson, Vanceboro
In Memory of Joey Wilson 1
By Mrs. Essie T. Huggins, Wendell
Mrs. Virginia Hayes, Wilson 1
Mrs. Bessie Lamm, Wilson 1
Wintergreen Church, Cove City 4
Memorial Church, Chocowinity 4
In Memory of Ray Willis 1
By Family and Friends, Davis Church, Davis
In Honor of Nora Mae Coats 1
By the Rev. C. M. Coats, Smithfield
Spring Hill Church, Goldsboro 2
In Honor of Mrs. Alma S. Dale 1
By Spring Hill Church, Goldsboro
In Honor of Mr. Borden Howell 1
By Spring Hill Church, Goldsboro
In Memory of Bayard H. Woodard 1
By Spring Hill Church, Goldsboro
In Honor of the Rev. W. L. Dale 1
By Spring Hill Auxiliary, Goldsboro
The Rev. and Mrs. William L. Dale, Goldsboro 2
In Honor of Mrs. Dianne R. Riley 1
By Mr. Gibson Riley, New Bern
In Honor of Mr. Dennis Riley 1
By Mr. Gibson Riley, New Bern
Mr. Gibson Riley, New Bern 1
Pine Level YFA, Pine Level 2
Totals (January 4 through 9) 137
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
300
50
50
50
100
100
500
50
50
50
100
50
450
50
100
50
50
50
200
200
50
50
100
50
50
50
50
100
50
50
50
100
MOTHER JANE WARREN
(Continued from Page 6) J
of preachers. She helped in an$
way she could financially or
personally. She loved people,
flowers and our Saviour. She
had a green thumb and grew
lovely flowers, which she
shared with the sick and placed
her beautiful arrangements in
our church for all to enjoy.
We tried in our humble way
to honor her and show her how
much we appreciated her. Her
family honored her and Daddy I
Marshall for their Golden
Wedding, which was beautiful'l
and greatly attended. Then we
chose her for "Mother of thejl
Year" in 1970 and presented:
her a gift and corsage. Shell
served as church clerk for thir-
teen years, 1945-1958. She was;!
honored with a gift for heri
dedicated services. We selected!
her "First Lady of our Aux-
iliary" and honored her with
flowers and a pin in 1980.
She lived such a beautiful and
useful life. She was the virtuous
woman as commended in the
Bible.
Our precious memories of
her are the rich legacy she be
queathed us. Mother Jane was,
truly a special lady. We all
thank God for her beautiful life.
Submitted by,
Mrs. Idell Herring
NEWS AND NOTES
(Continued from Page 7)
Central District
Youth to Meet
The Central District Youth;
Convention will be held,
January 21, 7:30 p.m., at;
Hickory Grove Church near
Bethel. All children who are tti
enter the Talent Contest are to
be prepared to perform at thisj
time. Each church is limited to!
2 or 3 entries with a time limit
of 2-3 minutes each.
$6,850
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
The Rev. David Ricks has a
change of address. It is Route ffl
Box 263, Elm City, North
Carolina 27822. His phone
number is 236-3406.
18
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
MEETING
SCHEDULED
The Board of Directors of the
iYee Will Baptist Press Foun-
lation will meet on Tuesday,
anuary 24, in the Multi-
>urpose Room located within
he facility. The meeting will
tegin at 1 p.m. All members of
he Board are asked to be
•resent.
NOTICE
The Forty-fourth Annual
leeting of the Membership of
the Church Finance Associa-
tion, Inc., will be held at the
First Free Will Baptist Church,
910 Granger Street, Wilson,
North Carolina, Tuesday,
February 14, 1984, at 10:30 a.m.
Each organization or individual
holding membership is urged to
represent in the Annual
Meeting.
William D. Thigpen, Secretary
MINISTER AVABLABLE
The Rev. L. E. Styron wishes
to announce that he is available
to preach and conduct revival
services. Any church that
would like to schedule a
revival, and would like his ser-
vices many contact him ; or any
church that would like to have a
Bible teaching class started, he
will be able to do so. He has
been a student of the Bible for
over 45 years. His address is
P.O. Box 492, New Bern, North
Carolina 28560; phone, 637-6774.
Now is a good time to renew
your subscription to The Free
Will Baptist.
To: All Free Will Baptist Ministers and our Free Will Baptist Ministers' Widows j
The Free Will Baptist Ministerial Association of North Carolina wishes to invite j
you to the annual Mid- Year Spiritual Life Banquet. This year's banquet will be c
held on February 17, in the auditorium on the downtown campus of Mount Olive |
College. Registration will begin at 6 : 30 p.m. with the meal at 7 p.m. The cost of the j
meal will be $5 per person, and will be prepared by the College Cafeteria staff. We !
will need to know how many to prepare for, so we request that you complete the |
pre-registration form below and send it with your $5 per person before February 5
11. The program should be very enjoyable this year with our own after-dinner I
speaker, the Rev. Willis Wilson, presenting the program for the evening. Please j
make plans to attend! We hope to see you there! c
Ministers' Widows: You will be our special guests— there is no charge for you for I
the meal. However we do ask that you send in the pre-registration form so we will j
know to prepare for you. ?
i
PRE-REGISTRATION FORM j
Mid- Year Spiritual Life Banquet 1
I, , will be attending the Banquet on I
February 17, and am sending $ for the meal, and will have |
guest(s) with me. j
Please send this form to : Doug Skinner 5
Box 117 I
Arapahoe, NC 28510 j
Please make checks payable to : I
North Carolina Free Will Baptist Ministerial Association j
TOE FREE WILL BAPTIST
19
Free engraving on Bibles
January 14-21
20%
OFF
Sheet music & music
books, tapes & albums —in
stock Hymnals not included.
^^Free Will Baptist Wess
v*p bookstores in Ayden, Kinston, New Bern,
Smithfield, Wilson and Whiteville.
20
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1
The Free Will Baptist
CONTENTS
Editorial 2
Feature 3
Weekly Features
News and Notes 6
Foreign Missions 7
Children's Home 8
Mount Olive College 10
Family Devotions 12
Sunday School Lesson 14
6 Steps to Effective Disciple Making . 4
The Church Looks at Divorce 5
The Book Corner 13
Volume 99 Number 4
January 25, 1984
Janie Jones Sowers
Editor
Edited and published forty-eight times a year by
the Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811
North Lee Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513-0158.
Second-class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina
(USPS 209-440).
All materials to be placed in any issue must be In
the hands of the editor seven days prior to the
publication date of that issue.
The purpose of this paper is to promote the cause of
Christ among Original Free Will Baptists, and we
reserve the right to refuse any article or news that is
inconsistent with our purpose, programs, or policies,
and that does not reflect a spirit of harmony and
cooperation with the Free Will Baptist Press Foun-
dation and the North Carolina State Convention of
Original Free Will Baptists.
The contents herein do not necessarily reflect the
beliefs or policies of the editor or of The Free Will
Baptist. The responsibility for each article is given
the person whose name appears under the title or to
the person submitting said article.
Items for publication should be addressed to the
Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box 158, Ayden,
North Carolina 28513-0158.
All subscriptions are payable in advance: one
year, $8.84; two years. $16.12; four years, $31.20 (in-
cluding sales tax for North Carolina residents);
residents of other states, $8.50, $15.50 and $30 respec-
tively (plus sales tax where it applies).
Every-Family Plan: A 25 percent discount given
when local churches send the "Baptist" to the home
of every member; names and addresses to be pro-
vided by churches. Churches are billed quarterly.
Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists" are
sent to one individual who in turn distributes these. A
50 percent discount is offered under this plan.
Bookstore Hours: Ayden, Smithfield, and
Whiteville. 9 a m —5 p.m.. Monday— Saturday.
New Bern, Wilson, and Kinston, 9:30 a m —5 p.m.,
Monday— Saturday.
Board of Directors
Dewey Boling, President; C. Felton Godwin, Vice
President; Ruth Taylor, Secretary; Adrian Grubbs,
Assistant Secretary; Robert May; Eddie Edwards;
Marice DeBruhl; James Billy Hardee; De Wayne
Eakes; David W. Hansley. Chairman Emeritus.
Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.: Cliff
Gray, Executive Director; Janie Jones Sowers,
Editor of Literature.
2
Editorial ■HHHHHi
Perfection — Not the Case >
None of us would challenge the fact that John the Baptist
was sent by God. We know he was not a superman, a
supraman, nor was he a semidivine man; this forerunner of
Christ was not "99 and 44/100 pure," either. John didn't abide
by custom and he caused such a stir among those within the
"religious" community that he lost his head. But he was the
divinely chosen man who baptized our Lord.
The man who stands behind the pulpit today usually does
not receive such acceptance. By the very nature of his job, he
must always be above reproach, spiritual, courteous, and
diplomatic. While others may make thoughtless comments
freely, he must never be critical.
We have all heard it time and time again: "I wouldn't be a
preacher if you paid me a million dollars!" Some who com-
ment thus are very much at odds with themselves, their jobs,
I their families ; they are always looking for trouble and when
they can't find it, they make it. These people pick, pout,
criticize, blow out of proportion everything. The majority of
their time is spent trying to influence anyone who will pay
! them any mind. Of course, these individuals would not be
ministers— they couldn't stand members like themselves.
Then there are those who generally sympathize with the
minister. Many of them do not get involved in the work of the
ministry; where they could help, they do not. They attend Sun-
day morning worship— if they do not have anything else
planned.
Yes, thank the Lord, there are those who say, "I don't
know how you do it. I couldn't do what you do or take what you
have to take." These people stand by, ready to help at all
times. They will do anything that needs to be done. The word
no is not in their vocabulary when it comes to being asked to
| help. These are the members of the congregation who give a
sense of dignity and worth to the minister.
Sure, ministers are human, but they have to have a sense
of the divine sometimes to survive. Think about it: What can a
minister say to the person who says, "I'll never step foot in-
side that church again until you apologize to me personally,"
especially when that person refuses to tell the minister what |
he has done? How does he cope with a "disturbed" woman
who periodically determines it her responsibility to
"straighten him out" and then proceeds to tell him all she
thinks is wrong with him and the church? Can he ignore
someone who does all within his means to convince others that
"this is not what ought to be done in my church?"
When a congregation chooses a pastor, expectations run
high on both sides. The church expects the minister to be a
wise spiritual leader, one who can "minister" to their needs.
The pastor also has his expectations. He is confident that he
will profit as a result of his past ministries; new goals will
surely be achieved. But it doesn't take long for the "honey-
moon" to end: both parties discover imperfections in their
partners. Whereas the minister is not perfect and proves to
lack expertise in some areas, the members of the congrega-
tion are weak and need to mature in Christ.
Perhaps the minister is more realistic than the members
of the congregation. He knows there are no perfect churches;
and if there were, he could not pastor them.
THE FREE WILL BAPTISr
LETTER TO A
PULPIT COMMITTEE
by Frank R. Harrison, Chaplain, Mount Olive College
The pulpit committee of the First Church in Athens met to review the pile of letters from can-
idates and were at a loss as to the choice of a pastor. Many of the letters were from men who were ex-
erienced and very capable as well as knowledgeable, representing a very wide range of age and ex-
erience.
As the committee proceeded through the pile of letters, discussing the candidates in careful detail,
rie letter stumped and amused the committee members. It read as follows:
"Dear Brethren:
I have heard of your search for a pastor and would like to be
considered if you feel it to be the Lord's will. I have been
blessed by God with the power to preach what I perceive to be
the truth about God and His Son Jesus Christ who died for our
sins. As you well know, this is not always the most popular
theme for preaching according to some people. Accordingly, I
have been asked to leave certain places because my preaching
resulted in some great controversies, and on occasion, a few
riots. Some religious leaders have accused me of heresy and
favoring Gentiles.
My health is not too good now, and I am a little over fifty
years in age. However, I have some organizational experience,
and have on occasion done a little writing. My records are not
always as neat as I would like for them to be.
Oh yes, speaking of records, I might as well tell you that my
stay in any one place does not much exceed three years. Again, I
seem to have trouble getting along with some of the religious
leaders in some communities. They say I win too many of their
people to my faith and belief in God.
The other thing I might mention in case someone raises
any questions is that I do have a prison record. There is not
much I can say about that, except to say that God called me to
preach the marvelous truth that He gave His Son to come to this
world, that He died on a cross for our sins, and God raised Him
from the dead. He is now preparing a place in Heaven for all who
will believe in Him to live with Him eternally. This really is truth
that I preach, but you know how some people are about their
beliefs and traditions! Some even think I'm a little bit radical,
and some have gone so far as to say I am even foolish to believe
what I preach. Yet, I must say that the preaching of the Cross to
them that perish must seem like foolishness; but to us which
are saved it is the power of God. And, to them which are called,
both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God, and the
wisdom of God, and it pleases God by the foolishness of
preaching to save them that believe.
Well, I didn't mean to write so long a letter to you, but I
wanted you to know a little about me before you make your deci-
sion. If you decide I can be of help to you, I will try to do my best.
Thank you for the opportunity to share with you.
Sincerely,
^BMMh^^^^ Paul (formerly known as Saul)
With a chuckle, the committee laid the letter aside, wondering what in the world would
•rompt such a man to apply for the position of pastor of the First Church in Athens.
rHE FREE WILL BAPTIST
3
6 STEPS TO EFFECTIVE
DISCIPLE MAKING
(Used by permission of Pulpit Digest, P.O. Box 5199,
Jackson, Mississippi 39216. )
Part 3
In 1 Corinthians Paul outlines
a summary of the kerygma,
and then comments, "Whether,
then, it is I or they (Peter,
James, John, and the rest),
this is what we all proclaim."
The basic elements of the
kerygma — the message— were
proclaimed with the goal of per-
suading the hearers to repen-
tance, faith and baptism.
The motivation — love.
Christ's entire life and ministry
were a personification of
God's unconditional love. The
apostles and Early Church con-
tinued to emphasize this all-
encompassing love. The rapid
spread of the gospel must have
been in large part due to their
desire to see others share in
such extraordinary love.
The method — dialogue and
interaction. The Ethiopian
posed questions to Philip about
the Scripture passages he was
reading. Paul asked Jesus for a
confirmation of his identity.
The Philippian jailer asked,
"What must I do to be saved?"
Cornelius asked the angel for
an explanation of his vision,
and asked Peter for an explana-
tion. The woman at the well
asked Christ of His identity.
Nicodemus, Zacchaeus ... all
interacted and had the oppor-
tunity to question, discuss, and
consider the claims of Christ.
The goal — repentance /con-
version. John the Baptist called
for repentance. Jesus' teaching
and preaching demanded
repentance. Peters' instruc-
tions required repentance.
Paul's message required
repentance. Repentance is an
important step, from the
biblical viewpoint, in the con-
version process. Repentance
involves a change of mind and
heart; a turning "from." The
4
other side of repentance is con-
version. It is a person's turning
of allegiance to God in obe-
dience and faith. In the turning
and new lordship in life, God
regenerates and gives eternal
life. "Re-birth," "new life in
Christ," "obedience to the
faith," "hearing the Word of
the gospel," "hearing the
Word," "believed," "believed
and were baptized" . . . the
Scripture uses many terms to
describe a person who has
moved from death to life, from
doubt to faith, from sin to salva-
tion.
The result — baptism and
identification with the church.
In the New Testament the rite
of incorporation into the Body
was baptism. Baptism was a
crucial part of becoming a
Christian. "In fact," observes
Smalley in Conversion in the
New Testament, "the New
Testament knows nothing of
coming into the body by faith
only. It was faith and baptism.
Baptism was the accompany-
ing act of obedience and confes-
sion, and without baptism a
believer did not enter the early
community of faith."
5. Provide for a variety of ex-
posures. As we just noted, each
church member should be able
to express comfortably the
meaning of Christ in his/her
own life to a non-Christian
friend. A dialogue between two
friends on the subject of the
church and Christianity would
include sharing one's personal
experience on the subject.
There is an important credibili-
ty in such sharing between two
respected friends.
At the same time, as you plan
ways to communicate God's
love to the members of your
Extended Family, realize that
there are additional ways |
communicate the message ./I
perhaps more persuasive^
The pastor, a specil
evangelistic film, a guej
teacher or speaker, or a chur|
member with the gift I
evangelism may be able
present the gospel in a mo
compelling way than you. A
tually, most people who end ij
as active Christians a]
responsible church membe
have heard the gospel mo
than once from more than o
source prior to making th<!
decision for Christ. One pjj
ticular research study fouil
that those who were vital Chr a
tians and active churd
members had heard the gosp
presented an average of 5.8 §
ferent times before they ma|
their Christian commitmeii
This fairly high number of a
posures to the gospel among tjj
group of active Christians wi
in sharp contrast to the numb!
of times the gospel was hea
among people who made a dej
sion but soon became inactiMl
On the average, chur^i
dropouts heard the gospel orj
twice prior to their decision.
This leads to some importat
implications about cor-
municating the good news I
your Extended Family meii
bers. People who eventual!
come to Christ and become as
tive members of your churl
need to have enough exposuri
of the gospel (and the implic*
tions of their life-changing den
sion) to feel they are making i
reasonable decision— one thl
can live with in the months ail
years ahead.
Church growth researi
shows that the person wH
makes a Christian decision I
the spur of the momet
(perhaps at the conclusion of js
emotional public meeting orji
high-pressure "manipulativ|:
presentation) is not likely |a
continue as an active discipl.
There is much more hope it
the person who has had it
(Continued on Page 15)
THE FREE WILL BAPTHIf
THE CHURCH
LOOKS AT DIVORCE
by De Wayne Eakes
Part 3
Divorce is an expression of sin in that the
>artners have failed to attain the ideal. But
neither divorce nor adultery is an un-
orgiveable sin. We as the church need to be
orgiving and loving and be guided by Christian
)rinciples. (I do agree that divorce is too much
lsed and is used as an "easy way out" for too
nany— it is another way many in our society
ivoid self-discipline and hard work in order to
each a desired goal).
[V. What Can the Church/Minister Do?
What can you as an individual Christian
jossibly do to help someone who has just gone
ihrough the trauma of divorce or who is in the
jrocess of legal separation and divorce? You
nust realize where they are coming from and
vhat your real feelings are.
The divorced person may be depressed
swallowed anger) feeling all life is temporari-
y meaningless. They may feel fear of the
'uture, hostile, lonely, rejected, guilty, bitter or
simply unable to deal with life's simplest prob-
ems and decisions. If you ask a friend in this
situation/ crisis how they feel, they may say
'Fine!" This may be because they are afraid
3f your rejection if they share their real feel-
ings with you. You need to realize that the
separation/ divorce of someone whose marriage
fou thought was solid is a threat to your own
narriage stability, especially if you were close
;o them. You may begin to think, "If it could
lappen to them it could happen to us." You
nay be disillusioned at one or both's un-
aithfulness. You are also curious about what
hey are going to do. Emalene Shepherd, in an
irticle entitled "Ministering to Your Divorced
rriends" (Home Life, June 1982), says, "Don't
isk questions, simply listen without giving ad-
rice. You think you know how you'd react if
rou were in their shoes, but don't tell them so.
rhe break has to be made. Let him/her talk
iboutit."
Divorce brings grief with it just as death.
Divorce is the death of a relationship. Let
iivorced/separated persons talk to you, for
hey need an understanding ear.
Mel Krantzler, in Creative Divorce, points
>ut: "Society recognizes some kinds of losses.
Blankets, food, and messages of support pour
n to the town destroyed by a hurricane. The
ivife whose husband was lost receives personal
visits from military personnel. The mother
whose child dies attends a funeral ... A
funeral is society's formal, recognition of a
significant loss. Society is saying in a funeral
'Your grief is recognized. It's quite proper to
feel as you do. Express your emotions. You
will feel better for it.' Unfortunately, society
holds out no such helping hand to divorced men
and women experiencing the loss that comes
with the death of a relationship."
Mrs. Shepherd states that if as a Christian
friend you would like to minister to divorced
friends you can become a pillar of strength for
them by doing the following (she was a di-
vorcee for nine years and has been happily
remarried for 21 years) :
1. PRAY for the person you care about and let that
person know you are praying on his/her behalf. A
religious person often does not know how to pray
at low times like this, especially since the stigma
of divorce is still branded on one's forehead like a
big "D" in some churches (Nathaniel Hawthorne's
Scarlet Letter). If a person considers himself/
herself non-religious, they won't be turned off by
prayer. They will gain a new sense of self-worth,
just from the thought that someone loves them
enough to pray about their situation and believes
in a Higher Power to help them.
2. INVITE that person to your home for dessert, a
snack or a meal. It's good to be invited and wel-
comed as a single person. Quite often, the loss of
"couple" status ends people's social lives.
3. LOVE them even if you see many mistakes.
Understanding, patient love is nourishment to a
troubled spirit.
4. LISTEN attentively without criticism. Negative
thoughts are destructive. (Go easy on advice-giv-
ing—you really don't know what is best for the
other person. )
5. AFFIRM with a warm tone. It will restore self-
esteem. Be on the alert for ways to encourage the
troubled person. Have a positive attitude. It is
catching !
6. REMEMBER that person on holidays and birth-
days. A card, a phone call, or a sharing of time on
these special days is an unforgettable, affirming
experience.
The first letter of each of these six words
forms an acrostic. The word is pillar. That's
what your divorced friends need (don't be a
Bildad, Zophar or Eliphaz— Job's "com-
forters"). No one likes or really wants divorce
but if it happened to you wouldn't you like a
pillar to lean on?
(Continued Next Week)
rHE FREE WILL BAPTIST
5
News 81 Notes
Buck Assumes Pastorate
CP i\ ...^
The Rev. Stanley Buck Jr.
The Rev. Stanley E. Buck Jr.
recently began his ministry at
the First Church of Tarboro.
Mr. Buck comes to Tarboro
after having pastored Juniper
Chapel Church in Vanceboro
for almost five years. He
received his license to preach
in 1973, and became an or-
dained minister in 1976.
His educational background
includes studying at Mount
Olive College, Carolina Bible
Institute, and Southwestern
College in Oklahoma. He also
attends the Annual Billy
Graham Association Evang-
elism Conference.
Mr. Buck and his wife,
Peggy, have two children: Lee,
5; and Joshua, 3. They are ex-
pecting their third child in
April.
There will be a reception for
the new pastor and his family
following the evening service
on January 29.
First Church of
Williamston to Host Meetings
The Second District of the
Central Conference Union
Meeting and Sunday School
Convention will be held at First
Church, Williamston, 104
Spruce Street, Williamston, on
January 29. The time of the
meetings is 3 p.m.
6
Albemarle Meetings Planned
On January 28, the
Albemarle Union Meeting will
be held at Free Union Free Will
Baptist Church, near Pinetown.
The Albemarle League Conven-
tion will convene that evening
at Mount Zion Church. The
scheduled programs are as
follows :
UNION MEETING
OPENING SESSION
Pianist, Mrs. Mary Lucille Jones
10:00— Devotions, the Rev. Robert May
10:10— Welcome, the Rev. Aubrey Wil-
liamson
— Response, the Rev. Bobby
Brown
10:15— Moderator's Address, the Rev.
Charles Overton
10:20— Roll Call of Ministers
—Recognition of Visiting Ministers
—Roll Call of Churches
10 : 30— Of f ering for Denominational En-
terprises
— Announcements
— Prayer Time
BUSINESS SESSION
10:40— Report of Children's Home, via
Literature
—Report of Mount Olive College,
via Literature
—Report of Press, via Literature
—Report of Missions, via Litera-
ture
—Report of Cragmont, via Litera-
ture
—Report of Retirement Homes,
via Literature
10:50— Reading of Minutes of Last
Union for Information
— Report of Treasurer
—Other Business
—Announcements of Next Union
11:00— Minutes Read and Approved
MORNING WORSHIP
11:00— Hymn
11:20— Special Music, Host Church
11:25— Message, the Rev. Aubrey Wil-
liamson
—Adjournment and Lunch
LEAGUE CONVENTION
7:30— Devotion, Mr. Dean Jones
7:40— President's Message, Mr. Lloyd
Jones Jr.
—Appointment of Digest Commit-
tee
—Offering
— Roll Call of Leagues
—Sword Drill
—Hymn
—Recognition of Ministers
— Announcements
—Special Music
—League Program
—Minutes of Last Convention n
—Business of Digest Committee
—Report of Digest Committee I
—Awarding of Banners and Pi
ture
—Treasurer's Report
—Minutes Read and Approved
—Adjournment
Pianist, Mrs. Mary Lucille Jones
Cape Fear Union to Meet
The Cape Fear Unio I
Meeting will be held at Palme
Memorial Church near Garnei
on Saturday, January 28, 1984;
The scheduled program is aj
follows :
10 : 00 — Hymn , Congregation
—Devotion, the Rev. J. B. Caton i
—Welcome, Host Church
—Response, Mrs. Grace Barbour
10:20— Enrollment of Officers anil
Ministers
—Recognition of Visitors
—Reading of Minutes of LasjJ
Meeting
—Appointment of Committees
—Roll Call of Churches
— Report of Denominational End
terprises
—Miscellaneous Business
11:15— Hymn, Congregation
—Special Music
—Offering and Offertory Prayer ]i
—Message, the Rev. Don Venablei
12:00— Report of Treasurer
—Report of Committees
—Unfinished Business
—Benediction and Adjournment
—Lunch and Christian Fellowship
Jeff Scarborough, Moderator
Mrs. Ruth L. Warrick, Secretary
Woman of Year Chosen at
Oak Grove Church
A "Woman of the Year" has
been chosen at Oak Grove'
Church, Route 3, Elm City. On
Sunday morning, January lj
1984, Sadie Patterson wasfi
pinned by the auxiliary presi-|i
dent, Mrs. Thelma Harris. She
has been a member of the aux-;
iliary for 3 years.
Linda Farmer was runner-|
up. The auxiliary and churchj
are very proud of these ladies.
Micro Youth Elect Officers
The Youth Fellowship Aux-
iliary recently met in the
fellowship hall of the Micro
Church. This meeting was
hosted by Melisa Wall.
(Continued on Page 15)
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST)
ml
Foreign Missions
NEWS FROM BARNARDS
Shanna, Jeffrey, and Jackie Barnard
Thanksgiving and Christmas
lave come and gone. We have
>een enjoying the cards and let-
ers received. It is hard to im-
igine that we have celebrated
>ur second Christmas in the
Philippines. We remembered
rou as you fellowshiped
ogether in your respective
ihurches and homes. Our
>rayers of thanksgiving go up
o God for each of you who pray
ind support us.
We have several prayer re-
[uests at this time. The main
tern has to do with family
lealth problems. Jackie's back
eems some better, for which
ye say thanks be unto God. But,
he is in the midst of a terrible
oughing spell. She has been
oughing deeply for over 2
yeeks. We have seen the doc-
or several times. They have
ried many different remedies
yhich have thus far been
inable to stop or even suppress
he cough. She has spent the
tetter part of 2 days in bed
inable to catch her breath at
imes and very weak.
Shanna has the same prob-
em, but it is in a later and
/eaker stage. She has been ex-
•eriencing piercing headaches
laily. Jeffrey was diagnosed as
laving asthmatic bronchitis on
op of his primary complex syn-
Irome. I just have a common
lead cold.
We ask you to make our re-
quest for prayers concerning
our health a priority item on
your prayer list. Thank you.
I have been witnessing to a
man by the name of Tony
Reyes. He is the owner of the
garage where I get the car
worked on. He is a Catholic. He
is very interested in beginning
a home Bible study course, but
Satan seems to be throwing up
roadblocks. Two Sundays ago
we were to begin. When I ar-
rived Tony's wife was sick and
he did not even come to the
door, but sent his daughter to
tell me he'd contact me later in
the week. The next Sunday he
had to take a trip out of town.
He finally said that we ought to
wait a while and give everyone
an opportunity to recover.
Please pray for the salvation
of Tony and his family and his
(Continued on Page 15)
HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT THE
WORLD MISSIONS CONFERENCE AND RALLY
SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 9, 1984?
FEATURES FOR THE DAY
Note: All daytime activities will be on the downtown campus.
The World Missions Rally at 7:30 P.M. will be in College
Hall, Mount Olive College.
SEMINARS: 10:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M. Dr. William Bennett, a
native of North Carolina and pastor of the largest congre-
gation in the state of Arkansas.
FDLM: 2:45 P.M. "First Fruits" will be shown.
BANQUET: 5:30 P.M. For everyone who can attend. Price
$4.50 (information to secure a count for this meal will be
mailed in a few days).
WORLD MISSIONS RALLY: 7:30 P.M. College Hall. Dr. Ben-
nett will speak. Special music by the "Damascus Way"
from Trinity Free Will Baptist Church of Clayton; and Jo
Ann Pennington, Guyla Evans, and Alice Hines (three
members of the original "Hines Cousins" from Winter-
ville)
TESTIMONY: Phil Shepard, vice president of the State
Youth Convention. Phil has applied to the Foreign Mis-
sions Board to serve as a summer missionary in the
Philippines. We hope to see a large number of our youth at
the rally. Come and show your support for Phil.
COMMISSIONING: of the van der Plas Family for their work
in the Philippines.
This will be a day and night to remember. Come and bring
a crowd from your church. The conference and rally are for all
ages. There are great blessings in store for you. Luke 11:9
says, "... Ask and it shall be given you . . . . " God will grant us
a great and spiritual day if we will but pray. Please join us in
daily prayer for the conference and rally.
[HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
7
Children's Home
LETTERS OF THANKS
JpjuO jfax, #M JlLuSfa&i
'J&^aM SUA/ ^Lfr5hi ,
!£bvnJL frex+- f**, /Qsixae.rJ^
<ftrts-f4A^^a. ^jvzjl^
*/W-LcJL » <J~A: uLsO^Q. jthj^, huxJb
"FOSTER PARENTS:
YOU CAN HELP!"
by Beth Tart
A better tomorrow hal
always been the dedicated con,
cern of the Free Will Baptisj
Children's Home, Inc. Today's
children will become the adult?
who share tomorrow's world
No task is more important thai}
helping children, hurt by life, t«
grow into healthy, well
adjusted, responsible citizens.
The Foster Care Program oi
the Free Will Baptist Children's
Home, Inc. has been in ex
istence since 1976. Many fim
couples have opened thei}
hearts and homes to deserving
boys and girls who have needed
the close and intimate relation!
ships which can best b«
developed in a family setting;
Children have been provided
love, encouragement, and nun
ture of the highest quality.
The foster child comes frorrj
all walks of life and with g
varied background. The ma|
jority are from broken homes;
which makes each foster chilcj
a special child. He may be ontj
with special learning needs
emotionally affected by his!
family experience, a preschool
or teenage child, or maybe
the child primarily needs the
individualization afforded
through family life of a fostei
home. The foster child needs t(
8
THE FREE WILL BAPTISl
>e accepted simply because he
s a child. He needs to be pro-
/ided affection and under-
standing from adults who are
ible to guide his growth with
patience, values, aspirations,
strength, and consistency in
relationships.
A foster child may range in
ige from infancy to 21. Here at
,he Children's Home, there is a
leed for foster homes that
;ould provide support and
security for older children with
special needs. These children
Uso need to be loved, accepted
ind cared for by caring and
inderstanding adults.
Being a foster parent is a part
)f the church's vital mission to
he world. It is one way of
ministering in the name of
Christ. Foster parents can pro-
vide support for children at a
time in their lives when their
situation is rather bleak, their
needs rather great, and their
demands rather high. If you
would like to share your life,
your home and your family
with a foster child, please con-
tact the Children's Home by
phoning (919) 235-2161, or by
writing the Free Will Baptist
Children's Home, Inc., Box 249,
Middlesex, NC 27557.
YOUTH MUSICAL TO BE
PRESENTED AT REEDY
BRANCH CHURCH
On Sunday evening, January
29, at 7 p.m., the youth of
Reedy Branch Church, Route 1,
Winterville, will present a
musical drama for young
voices with lyrics by Grace
Hawthorne and music by Larry
May field.
The title of the musical is
"Christmas Fever" and it is
about young people who get
"Christmas Fever," the real
spirit of Christmas after
Christmas, after they have had
time to reflect on the real
meaning of "giving."
You are invited to come and
share in this special program
with the people of Reedy
Branch Church.
The Rev. Willis Wilson is the
pastor.
I To: All Free Will Baptist Ministers and our Free Will Baptist Ministers' Widows |
| The Free Will Baptist Ministerial Association of North Carolina wishes to invite |
; you to the annual Mid- Year Spiritual Life Banquet. This year's banquet will be x
' held on February 17, in the auditorium on the downtown campus of Mount Olive I
| College. Registration will begin at 6 : 30 p.m. with the meal at 7 p.m. The cost of the j
meal will be $5 per person, and will be prepared by the College Cafeteria staff. We '
will need to know how many to prepare for, so we request that you complete the |
| pre-registration form below and send it with your $5 per person before February jj
11. The program should be very enjoyable this year with our own after-dinner !
j speaker, the Rev. Willis Wilson, presenting the program for the evening. Please j
. make plans to attend! We hope to see you there!
Ministers' Widows: You will be our special guests— there is no charge for you for !
| the meal. However we do ask that you send in the pre-registration form so we will j
I know to prepare for you. j
j PRE-REGISTRATION FORM j
Mid- Year Spiritual Life Banquet
I I, , will be attending the Banquet on j
| February 17, and am sending $ for the meal, and will have j
j guest(s) with me.
: Please send this form to : Doug Skinner !
| Box 117 j
I Arapahoe, NC 28510
! Please make checks payable to:
j North Carolina Free Will Baptist Ministerial Association j
■■>< >«■■>< s^u«m4»< >-«^»< > mm < )-*■■>< :<««H>n-«Bn>< > w <>■«■►< >•«■■>< >•<■■»< )-«■
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
Mount Olive College
DEAN'S LIST
Seventeen Free Will Baptist
students have been named to
the Dean's List at Mount Olive
College. The Dean's List is
published to honor students
who attain high scholastic
standing. To qualify for the list
at the completion of each
semester, a student must be at-
tending college on a full-time
basis and achieve a quality
point average of 3.2 or higher. A
student must not have received
a grade below a "C" in any sub-
ject.
Those students named for
their 1983 fall semester stand-
ing are: Kimberly G. Ander-
son, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Durwood Anderson of Pink
Hill; Angela J. Anthony,
daughter of Mrs. Ossie B. An-
thony of Wilson; Donna L.
Blalock, daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. E. J. Blalock of Fay-
etteville; Charles P. Hansley,
son of the Rev. and Mrs. D. C.
Hansley of Wilmington ; Calvin
A. Heath of Walstonburg;
Robin L. Honeycutt, daughter
of Mr. and Mrs. M. R.
Honeycutt of Dunn; Wanda C.
Jones, daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Rudolph Jones of Pine
Level; Tammy L. Marshburn,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ken
Marshburn of Beulaville;
Amelia Massengill, daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Massengill
of Four Oaks; Sherry C.
Mitchell, daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. John B. Mitchell of
Bridge ton; Norma F. Reardon,
daughter of Mrs. Norma P.
Reardon of Mount Olive; Pan-
dora Register, daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. Atlas M. Register of
Spivey's Corner; Judy C. Tyn-
dall, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Bobby Tyndall of Dudley;
William G. Tyner of Seven
Springs; Lori A. Wells,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alton
Wells of Ay den; Carolyn J.
Williamson, daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. J. D. Williamson of
Mount Olive ; and Joni Y. Wood,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Car-
roll Wood of La Grange.
GOVERNOR JOINS TROJAN CLUB
While on campus for the Grand Opening of College Hall, Governor James B
Hunt Jr. joined the Trojan Club. Shown with the governor are Athletics Directoi
and men's basketball coach, Bob McEvoy, and Trojan basketball player, Ray Luca|
of Fayetteville.
VISITORS TO THE CAMPUS
Recent visitors to the college campus included William "Bill" McLawhorn m
Ayden, a member of the Mount Olive College Board of Trustees. Shown here (L-R I
with Steve Raper, assistant in development, are McLawhorn' s son-in-law, Dr !
George Fouke of East Cleveland, Ohio; McLawhorn and his granddaughter"
Kristen May, of Atlanta, Georgia.
The Foukes contributed a convention chair in honor of Bill and Lou McLawhorn!
10
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1
GIFTS FOR COLLEGE HALL CHAIRS NEARS 500
During the week ending January 16, gifts were received for 51
:onvention chairs in College Hall. A total of 483 chairs have now
>een contributed toward a goal of 800.
"We hope to receive gifts for the remaining 317 chairs by the
foreign Missions Rally on March 9," President W. Burkette Raper
leclared.
The cost of a chair is $50 and they may be given in honor or in
nemory of persons chosen by the donor. Contributions may be
nade by individuals, families, churches, woman's auxiliaries,
ayman's leagues, Sunday schools or other church groups.
Summary: Through January 16
800 Chairs ($50 each)
483
317
eeded
ifts to Date
alance
483 Chairs Through January 16
onors
hristian Chapel Church, Pink Hill
[r. and Mrs. J.J. Grimsley, Ay den
l Honor of Pauline Sills
By Miss Lellon Lee Sills, Winston-Salem
l Honor of the Rev. and Mrs. R. P. Harris
By Dr. Leonard Earl Harris, Rocky Mount
[ilbournie Church, Wilson
l Memory of Sandra E. Aldridge and Kristen
By the Rev. and Mrs, Melvin K. Everington, Kinston
lint Paul Sunday School and Church, Newton Grove
l Memory of Earl H. Holton
By Mount Zion Young Adult Sunday School Class,
Lowland
l Memory of Milton R. Mizelle
By Mount Zion Young Adult Sunday School Class,
Lowland
i Memory of Finley K. Lupton
By Mount Zion Young Adult Sunday School Class,
Lowland
l Memory of Luther W. Mizelle
By Mount Zion Young Adult Sunday School Class,
Lowland
i Memory of R. Blaine Newton
By Mount Zion Young Adult Sunday School Class,
Lowland
i\ and Mrs. Harold Whaley, Newport
i Honor of the Rev. and Mrs. Leon Grubbs and Family
By the Widows of Hull Road Church, Snow Hill
i Honor of Mr. and Mrs. John Westbrook
By Mr. and Mrs. Leon Barwick and Mrs. Leora John-
son, Dudley
earsall Chapel Men's Fellowship, Magnolia
i Honor of Mrs. Rachel Turner
By Anonymous
i Honor of Daniel Webster Morris
By Juniper Chapel Adult Bible Class, Vanceboro
t Honor of Mrs. Mabel Rowe
By Juniper Chapel Adult Bible Class, Vanceboro
i Honor of Dr. W. Burkette Raper
By Mr. and Mrs. Jesse C. Griffin, New Bern
oney Creek Church, Goldsboro
i Honor of Imettie Raper
By the Rev. and Mrs. Gary M. Bailey, Goldsboro
i Memory of Mr. and Mrs. Guy M. Pate
By the Honorable and Mrs. H. Martin Lancaster,
Goldsboro
Honor of Mrs. Abigail Pollock
By Riverside Ladies Auxiliary, Princeton
Honor of the Rev. and Mrs. Tom Miller
By Hugo Church, Grifton
(Continued on Page 15)
$40,000
24,150
$15,850
Number
of Chairs Amount
$ 50
100
50
50
50
50
300
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
100
50
50
50
50
50
50
250
50
50
50
100
STUDENT DAY PLANNED
All church youth leaders are
reminded of the Student Day
planned at Mount Olive Col-
lege.
Students are invited to cheer
the Trojan basketball team on
to victory at 1:30 p.m., Satur-
day, January 28. The Trojans
will play against Newport News
in College Hall. A special stu-
dent rate of $1 per ticket will
apply for this game.
The admissions people are
looking forward to a good
turnout and will be on hand to
greet the students. This is a
great opportunity to get a close-
up look at College Hall and to
enjoy a lively afternoon of Col-
lege athletics.
ATTENTION
WOMAN'S AUXILIARIES
Now is the time for you to col-
lect your per capita dues, if you
have not already done so. These
dues should be collected during
the first months of the year, in
time to be sent to your district
treasurer before, or in time for,
your district convention. The
dues are $ .40 per member per
year.
Send these dues to your
district treasurer; she will keep
$ .20 and send $ .20 to your state
treasurer. It is necessary that
you cooperate in this as these
dues provide a part of the funds
for the operational expenses of
your convention. Thank you for
your past cooperation; we
know that we can continue to
count on you.
Your State Treasurer,
Mrs. Raymond T. Sasser
A SPECIAL REQUEST
January 28, the Albemarle
Union Meeting will meet at
Free Union Church. All
churches are urged to report by
delegate or letter in order that
we may have 100%. This would
speak well for our conference.
Last year, we had two con-
secutive 100% meetings. This
was appreciated by all.
On Saturday night we are
urging the leagues to take part
(Continued on Page 15)
HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
11
Family Devotions
SUNDAY,
JANUARY
29
Scripture Reading— Exodus 35-37
GOD HOLDS THE FUTURE
God holds the future in His hand.
O heart of mine, be still!
His love will plan the best for thee,
The best, or light or dark it be—
Then rest thee in His will.
God holds the future in His hand.
Why should I shrink or fear?
Through every dark and cloudy day-
Yea, all along my pilgrim way
His love will bless and cheer.
God holds the future in His hand,
And I can trust His love.
His past declares His faithfulness;
His eye will guide, His heart will bless,
Till I am safe above.
TUESDAY,
JANUARY 6L
Scripture Reading— Exodus 40
GOD'S WILL
I asked the New Year for some motto sweet,
Some rule of life by which to guide my feet;
I asked and paused. It answered soft and low:
"God's will to know."
"Will knowledge then suffice, New Year?" 1
cried;
But ere the question into silence died,
The answer came, "Nay, this remember, too,
God's will to do."
Once more I asked, "Is there still more to tell?'
And once again the answer softly fell:
"Yes, this one thing, all other things above,
"God's will to love."
God holds the future in His hand.
I leave it all with Him.
I know one day He will explain
The "wherefore" of each grief and pain,
Though reasons now are dim.
MONDAY, „ft
JANUARY 6{3
Scripture Reading— Exodus 38, 39
BEWARE OF SHORT CUTS
A plane crashed in Mint Canyon. Nine oc-
cupants perished. That tragic end was not the
design of the builder of the plane. It was intended
to be a servant of human need, carrying
messages of peace and passengers to happy
homecomings. The pilot, however, decided to
take a short cut across the Sierra Madras. God's
children are "his workmanship, created in
Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has
before ordained that we should walk in them"
(Ephesians 2:10). As long as we stay "on the
beam" and go into the pathway of service He
chooses, we are safe. Let us avoid short cuts
which would take us "off the beam" which could
bring disaster.
WEDNESDAY, 1
FEBRUARY 1
Scripture Reading— Leviticus 1-3
NOT A CALAMITY
"Oh, General, what a calamity!" exclaimec
his chaplain to General "Stonewall" Jacksor
when the latter lost his left arm in battle; t<j|
which the General, thanking him for his sym
pathy, replied: "You see me wounded, but noi
depressed, not unhappy. I believe it has been ac
cording to God's holy will, and I resign entirelj
to it. You may think it strange, but you never saw
me more perfectly contented than I am today
for I am sure my Heavenly Father designs thi:
affliction for my good. I am perfectly satisfied
that either in this life or in that which is to come .1
shall discover that what is now regarded as i\
calamity is a blessing. I can wait until God, ii]
His own time, shall make known to me the object
He has in thus afflicting me. But why should I no
rather rejoice in it as a blessing and not look on i j
as a calamity at all? If it were in my power til
replace my arm I would not dare to do it unless j
could know it was the will of my Heavenl;
Father."
When we want to know God's will, there are
three things which always concur: the inward
impulse, the Word of God and the trend of cir-
cumstances!
God in the heart, impelling you forward;
God in His Book, corroborating whatever He
says in the heart; and God in circumstances,
which are always indicative of His will. Never
act until these three things agree.
12
Who has accomplished his task? He who ha
left the world better than he found it, whether b,
an improved machine, a perfect poem, or <
rescued soul; who has never lacked appreciation
of earth's beauty or failed to express it; wh
looked for the best in others and has given th
best he had; whose life was an inspiration
whose memory is a benediction.
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'!
THURSDAY, „
FEBRUARY 4
Scripture Reading— Leviticus 4-6
A JUDGE'S PRAYER
A very remarkable testimony is given by
Judge Harold R. Medina. It appears in the
August number of the Reader's Digest (1951)
under the title, "Someone Else on the Bench."
The judge achieved fame in presiding at the trial
of the eleven Communists in 1949. He says that he
has followed the habit of prayer since boyhood,
but since his elevation to the bench he has real-
ized more than ever his need for God's grace and
guidance. He is conscious of the unfailing
presence of God in the courtroom. During the
trial of the Communists there were deliberate ef-
forts by their supporters to wear down the judge
until he would lose self-control that would result
in a mistrial. Judge Medina declares that the one
thing that saved him and saved the trial, in a
desperate crisis hour, was the strange and
wonderful power that came to him when, in his
weakness, he "asked God to take charge of
things and that His will be done."
Nothing lies beyond the reach of prayer ex-
cept that which lies outside the will of God.
FRIDAY,
FEBRUARY 6
Scripture Reading— Leviticus 7, 8
THERE, WE ARE SAFE!
Typhoons and monsoons occur frequently in
the Indian Ocean. These violent cyclonic storms
swirl around in a circle. Before navigators
learned how to cope with them, there was a
frightful loss of ships and lives. In explaining
how navigators learned to cope with typhoons
and monsoons, a sea captain said, "When we run
into them we locate the center, and we go around
it. We narrow the circle until we get into the
center where there is a dead calm ! There, we are
safe!"
Christ speaks with finality and authority to
us. When we are in the center of His will, we are
safe. There, He keeps our hearts and minds in
"perfect peace!"
In the center of the circle
Of the will of God I stand,
There can come no second causes,
All must come from His dear hand.
SATURDAY, .
FEBRUARY 4
Scripture Reading -Leviticus 9, 10
BEING WHERE GOD WANTS YOU
One day Queen Victoria visited, unaccom-
panied and unannounced, some cottagers in
Balmoral, Scotland. Among those she visited
was an aged, lonely, bedridden man. He didn't
recognize Her Majesty. He said, "I am alone. All
the folks went away today, hoping to get a
glimpse of the Queen."
The Queen chatted pleasantly with the old
man. She read a chapter from the Bible to him.
Then she gave him a five-pound note. As she left
she said, "When your people come back, tell
them that the Queen visited you!"
We often miss great blessings by not being
where God wants us to be. Elijah would have
missed the service of the ravens had he not been
in the place God sent him: "I have commanded
the ravens to feed thee there" (1 Kings 17:4).
Samuel said, "Speak; for thy servant
heareth." Some say, "Listen; for Thy servant
speaketh. "
Portions selected from Knight's Treasury of Illustra-
tions, Walter B. Knight.
THE BOOK CORNER
by De Wayne Eakes
Dr. James C. Dobson, Love Must Be Tough,
New Hope for Families in Crisis, 1983, Word
Books, Waco, Texas.
Dr. Dobson has been called the "leading
Christian family counselor in America today."
He has written several books, Dare to Discipline,
Hide or Seek, The Strong-Willed Child, Straight
Talk to Men and Their Wives, Preparing for
Adolescence, Emotions: Can You Trust Them?,
What Wives Wish Their Husbands Knew About
Women and Dr. Dobson Answers Your Ques-
tions.
In this book Love Must Be Tough, Dr. Dob-
son addresses the most serious and destructive
causes of family breakups and marriage
failures. He addresses, forcefully, the problem of
disrespect in marital relationships, describing
its role in the gradual drift toward divorce for
millions of couples. He discusses infidelity,
alcoholism, wife beating, emotional indif-
ference, etc.
This book is especially helpful in a situation
where either spouse is suffering silently and be-
ing abused by the other (physically, emotionally
or spiritually). The principle of "loving
toughness" is not only applicable to families in
crisis, but also in healthy marriages as well.
Genuine love must be tough in order to survive
and grow in the stresses of our world today. This
is a good book for anyone who seeks a better
understanding of human behavior and the com-
plex relationships between men and women.
If our bookstores do not have this book or
others written by Dr. Dobson they can order
them for you.
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
13
Sunday School Lesson
For January 29
A DAY OF JOY
AND GLADNESS
Lesson Text: Isaiah 35:1-6, 8-10
Memory Verse: Isaiah 35:10
"A Day of Joy and Glad-
ness"—what a happy title for a
lesson! In reality, our study to-
day is about the love of God, for
it speaks of a gladness that can
be known only from within the
boundaries of His love. The love
of God is spontaneous. That is,
it originates from within
Himself, a voluntary move-
ment toward us.
Contemplate that last state-
ment. God's love is a voluntary
movement toward us ! Can it be
true that God's love is really
spontaneously directed toward
us, even though we may be
unlovable? Yes, it is true. It is
the mystery of grace, of
undeserved divine favor. And
this truth is the theme of the en-
tire Bible. God is forever seek-
ing to draw us into His
fellowship so that we may
receive blessing.
How beautifully Francis
Thompson expressed this truth
in his poem, "The Hound of
Heaven." God in His love is
relentless. We flee from Him,
yet "with unhurrying chase"
He hounds us. And this con-
tinues, no matter where we
flee, until we realize the truth
when He asks :
How little worthy of any love thou
art!
Whom wilt thou find to love ignoble
thee
Save Me, save only Me?
There and then, in our
misery, we suddenly realize the
great truth that He does love us
all the while.
This means that as His be-
loved we are the recipients of
His care and concern. We are in
His plans! His purposes for
eternity include us. Whatever
our lot, He desires to share it
with us, and this means both
our joys and our sorrows.
The word happiness does not
appear in the Bible, and even
the word happy, which we do
find, could well be translated
"blessed." The kind of hap-
piness God bestows is a divine
blessedness that is experienced
in spite of conditions. It comes
from knowing that God is near
at all times and in all cir-
cumstances.
But our lesson today deals
with joy and gladness, joy and
gladness that are certain
because they are promised by
the God of Heaven who loves us
and shares even Himself
with us.
In our study of Isaiah we
should note that Chapters 34
and 35 belong together. The
former speaks of God's severe
judgment. Edom is singled out
to receive the wrath of God for
her wickedness toward Judah,
the people of God. However, the
chapter is not just a prediction
of judgment upon Edom. That
nation is used as an example of
how God will deal with all who
set themselves against Him
and against His people. But the
storm of judgment promised in
Chapter 34 gives way to the
sweet calm and blessing that
constitute the promise of
Chapter 35.
Isaiah was no idle dreamer.
He was quite aware of the ex-
istence of evil in the world and
suffered his share because of it.
Yet, as a man of faith in God he
viewed as a certainty the ulti-
mate coming of a time of joy
and gladness from the presence
of the Lord. Always he
recognized that God's purpose
included two aspects— wrath
for the wicked and redemption
and blessing for those who
would turn to Him. Last week
we had these two aspects
presented metaphorically,
when God was represented as a
lion, defending His own, and as
a mother bird, providing tender
care for them.
As noted, Isaiah was fully
conscious of the stern realities
of life, of the existence of evil
and of tragedy. Yet he was an
ultimate optimist. He might
live to see the day; he migl
have to suffer for his faith, an
tradition says that he did; bi
he never doubted that God'
glorious day would come. (I
Chapter 42 and following
Isaiah reveals that the Servar
of the Lord would be the ager
by whom that day woul
come.)
Chapter 35, then, is a song c.
gladness. It is a promise d
the transformation of th
wilderness into a beautifu
garden. People also will ex
perience renewal: the wea
becoming strong; the fearful
brave; the blind, able to see
the deaf, able to hear; th
lame, able to walk; and th
tongues of the speechless, abl
to sing.
Not until we come to the las
two verses of our printed tex
do we understand who it is wh<
will enjoy this promise*
paradise— the redeemed of th
Lord. There will be a highway
especially prepared for them, i
highway that leads to Zion, th
city of God.
There are some who woul<
define religion as "man
upreach toward God." Witl
such a definition as this ii
mind, some say, "We are all go
ing to the same place; we an
just traveling different ways.'
If each is going his own way
then we may add that, possibly
one way is as good as another
Or should we say that one way
is as bad as another? But th<
Bible raises the question
"Who, by searching, can find
God?"
The Bible also reveals thai
we no longer have to search foi
God in any way of man's devis
ing, for He has already re
vealed Himself to us. In addi
tion, He has shown us not man's
way but His way to eternal life
and to fellowship with Him. It is
the way of Christ, who Himseb
said, "No man cometh unto the
Father, but by me."— Standard
Lesson Commentary
14
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
6 STEPS
(Continued from Page 4)
umber of exposures to various
lements of the gospel, has seen
hristianity demonstrated in
le lives of others, and has con-
idered the important implica-
ons of his/her decision.
How do you provide for this
nportant variety of Christian
nd gospel exposures for your
xtended Family member?
gain, the unique and ir-
jplaceable resources of the
»cal church come into play
As mentioned previously,
ringing non-Christian friends
> church-sponsored events
irves to both enlarge their
tm view of Christ in people's
ves, and to build friendships
ith other Christians. But
ringing your Extended Fami-
r member to church-related
/ents also allows the person to
Bar and see other aspects of
le gospel. A "full-blown"
/angelistic message and in-
itation are not required (or
jrhaps even desired) at every
lurch-sponsored event. A
rief devotional or prayer at
te beginning or end of the
/ent satisfactorily serves the
nportant function of providing
te non-Christian with a grow-
g understanding and perspec-
ve of the gospel.
This need for a variety of
/angelistic exposures means a
lurch needs to provide ade-
jate opportunity for members
i bring their non-Christian
lends and relatives. Worship
irvices and Sunday school
asses may be one means in
lis process. But other events
lay need to be designed to pro-
de such support to the church
lember. Films, printed
laterials, special outings and
)cial events, home Bible
udies, inquirer's classes,
)ecial interest seminars can
i used as ways to provide ex-
Dsure to the good news. The
iy insight is not what the par-
cular means of communica-
Dn is, but rather, the number
id variety of exposures— how
many times and from how
many sources has your Ex-
tended Family member been
exposed to a portion of the good
news through the church? The
more exposures he/she has, the
better the chances of that per-
son understanding the love of
Christ and becoming a respon-
sible church member. Look for
ways to help bring this about.
(Continued Next Week)
NEWS AND NOTES
(Continued from Page 6)
Officers for the 1984 year
were elected as follows : Teresa
Wall, president; Gary Evans,
vice president; Melisa Wall,
secretary; Mechelle Wall,
treasurer; Judy Korne gay, cor-
responding secretary; Angela
Jones, assistant secretary;
Connie Pate, program chair-
man; Kenda Woodruff, alter-
nate; and Kathy Hinnant and
Fonda Jones, youth leaders.
First Union Meeting of
Western Conference to Meet
The First Union Meeting of
the Western Conference will
meet with Pleasant Plain
Church, Route 2, Selma, at 10
a.m., on Saturday, January 28.
The Rev. Floyd Cherry will
bring the union message. The
Rev. Ray Wells is moderator;
and the Rev. James V. Joyner
is acting clerk.
FOREIGN MISSIONS
(Continued from Page 7)
employees. Pray for his
family's health and prosperity.
Pray that soon we might begin
our Bible study with him.
Another person who we have
been witnessing to is the acting
postmaster of the post office
where our mail box is. Her
name is Evangeline Espiritu.
She is also a Catholic, but she
has been faithfully reading her
New Testament for a year now
and is wanting to be able to
understand God's Word better.
We hope to begin a Bible study
with her soon.
Many things are happening
politically and economically
here in Manila. Time and space
do not allow me to go into
detail. Please pray for peace in
the Philippines. Pray for con-
tinued opportunities for the
gospel witness. Pray especially
for continued open doors and
visa approvals for incoming
missionaries.
As always, pray for the lost!
Only Christ in a person's life
can bring lasting peace and
blessed assurance.
Charles Barnard
REQUEST
(Continued from Page 11)
in the League Convention,
which meets at Mount Zion
Church. Surely we don't want to
see our League Convention die.
In order to keep it alive leagues
must participate.
After God's blessing during
1983, how can we let Him down
in 1984? He wants us to seek
Him and His righteousness
first.
Charlie Overton
YOU'LL BE GLAD
YOU DID!
MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE
(Continued from Page 11)
In Honor of the Rev. De Wayne Eakes and Family 3 150
By Little Rock Church, Lucama
In Honor of the Rev. and Mrs. Bryce Rouse 1 50
By Rooty Branch Ladies Auxiliary, Mount Olive
In Memory of the Rev. and Mrs. A. B. Chandler 1 50
By AFC of Bethany Church, Winterville
First Church of Rocky Mount, Rocky Mount 1 50
Piney Grove Church (Pitt), Greenville 8 400
Totals (January 10 through 16) ~ET $2,550
15
HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
I
/
Travel to magical kingdoms, move through time, visit other coun-
tries, sail the seven seas, read about the lives of famous people,
become more learned on doctrinal matters ... all in your own
backyard or living room!
Books packed with adventure, excitement, and inspiration can be
found in abundance at:
The Free Will Baptist Press Foundation and its branch bookstores—
New Bern, Smithfield, Wilson, Kinston, and White ville
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'
The Free Will Baptist
The Rev. C. F. Bowen
January 5, 1912 — January 22, 198l>
SERVANT OF GOD, WELL DONE
Servant of God, well done.
Rest from thy loved employ ;
The battle fought, the victory won,
Enter thy Master's joy.
" - ^
The pains of death are past,
Labor and sorrow cease,
And life's long warfare closed at last,
Thy soul is found in peace.
Servant of God, well done.
Thy glorious warfare past;
The battle's fought, the race is won
And thou art crowned at last.
— Selected
CONTENTS
Editorial 2
Feature 3
Weekly Features
News and Notes 5
Mount Olive College 6
Foreign Missions 9
Children's Home 10
Family Devotions 12
Sunday School Lesson 14
Your Church Can Grow 4
6 Steps to Effective
Disciple Making 4
Volume 99 Numbers
February 1, 1984
Janie Jones Sowers
Editor
Edited and published forty-eight times a year by
the Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811
North Lee Street, Ay den. North Carolina 28513-0158.
Second-class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina
(USPS 209-440).
All materials to be placed in any issue must be in
the hands of the editor seven days prior to the
publication date of that issue.
The purpose of this paper is to promote the cause of
Christ among Original Free Will Baptists, and we
reserve the right to refuse any article or news that is
inconsistent with our purpose, programs, or policies,
and that does not reflect a spirit of harmony and
cooperation with the Free Will Baptist Press Foun-
dation and the North Carolina State Convention of
Original Free Will Baptists.
The contents herein do not necessarily reflect the
beliefs or policies of the editor or of The Free Will
Baptist. The responsibility for each article is given
the person whose name appears under the title or to
the person submitting said article.
Items for publication should be addressed to the
Editor. The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box 158. Ayden.
North Carolina 28513-0158.
All subscriptions are payable in advance: one
year, $8.84 ; two years, $16.12; four years, $31.20 (in-
cluding sales tax for North Carolina residents);
residents of other states, (8.50, $15.50 and $30 respec-
tively (plus sales tax where it applies).
Every Famlly Plan: A 25 percent discount given
when local churches send the "Baptist" to the home
of every member; names and addresses to be pro-
vided by churches. Churches are billed quarterly.
Bundle Plan: Lots of 26 or more "Baptists" are
sent to one Individual who in turn distributes these. A
50 percent discount is offered under this plan.
Bookstore Hours: Ayden, Smithfield, and
WhltevUle, 9 a.m.— 5 p.m., Monday— Saturday.
New Bern, Wilson, and Kinston, 9:30 a.m.— 5 p.m.,
Monday— Saturday.
Board of Directors
Dewey Bollng, President; C. Felton Godwin, Vice
President; Ruth Taylor, Secretary; Adrian Grubbs,
Assistant Secretary; Robert May; Eddie Edwards,
Marice DeBruhl; James Billy Hardee; De Wayne
Eakes; David W. Hansley, Chairman Emeritus.
Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.: Cliff
Gray, Executive Directory Bobby Pennington,
Financial Director; Janie Jones Sowers, Editor of
Literature.
2
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS
THE CHURCH
LOOKS AT DIVORCE
by De Wayne Eakes
constructively with minor problems before they
become major. A happy marriage doesn't just
happen. Marriage needs cultivation and nourish-
ment. Last year we instituted a "Family Life
Emphasis Week," using the James C. Dobson
film series. This year we will use the "Brecehen-
Faulkner Marriage Enrichment Series."
5. We have a Family Night Fellowship Din-
ner once each quarter in place of evening wor-
ship to encourage family participation.
6. We have been having a "Cragmont Fami-
ly Weekend Retreat" for about 12 years as a
family ministry.
As churches/ministers we must be sensitive
to supportive and healing as the Church Family
Ministry. We as the church have to deal with the
problem of forgiveness of adultery and divorce. I
believe that an "ounce of prevention is worth a
pound of cure." The church must strive with all
its best resources to help people have good
strong and healthy marriages. When divorce or
adultery does happen, we should react and act
like Christians— and not like an assemblage of
Pharisees! The church is made up of sin-
ners—not morally perfect people. The act of
divorce or adultery is no greater nor more un-
forgiveable than any other sin. There is only one
unpardonable sin (cf. Mark 3:28, 29) and it is not
divorce or adultery. I believe that John 8 : 1-11 is a
fitting Scripture to close this discussion. William
Barclay calls this passage the "Gospel of the
Second Chance" in his commentary of John.
Therein, Jesus acknowledged the woman's sin,
forgave her, and did not force her to live in con-
demnation for the rest of her life. In Matthew
22:37-40, Jesus identifies the supreme command-
ment. I believe that He meant what He said. I
believe that "love" is the supreme command-
ment and must take precedence over any other
injunction the Scripture gives us in the applica-
tion of faith to life.
HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
Part 4
What can we as a church do to reduce the
vorce rate and help prevent divorces?
1. Young people should not feel that after
gh school or college they "have to get
larried." Marriage is not for everyone. Mar-
age should not be seen as the only way to hap-
ness for an adult.
2. Churches/ministers need to help engaged
mples prepare for marriage (some things can
i done prior to engagement).
a. Talk to high school students about dating behavior,
sexuality. Share "good" films with them. Talk about
Christian values and standards on morality. Give
them good books to read (Letters to Karen and Let-
ters to Phillip by Charlie Shedd; Youth Considers
Marriage by David R. Moore ; Sex Is More Than a
Word, Andrew Lester).
b. Establish a pre-marital counseling ministry with
couples who are engaged. It is mandatory in my
church. If a couple wants me to perform the cere-
mony they have to complete the pre-marital guid-
ance first. Support your pastor in this. Don't ask
him for a "quickie" wedding if this is his policy—
At present I am involved with three couples.
c. Engaged couples are characteristically starry-eyed
and have romanticized their relationships. They
may be blind to their spouse's faults and their own.
They need to "burst this idealized bubble" before
marriage.
d. Love is the only valid basis for marriage but it is
not the only reason people get married. They get
married to get away from parents, prove their
adulthood, and because of premarital sexual in-
volvements. A lot of divorces take place because the
relationship was in trouble before the wedding.
3. Ministry to newlyweds is another option:
newlywed class held any time from six months
the first anniversary is a good idea. The first
$ar of marriage is one of the most critical
jriods of marriage. Many important ad-
stments have to be made.
4. Marriage enrichment is a very good idea
r a church to offer. Enrichment is designed to
ilp good marriages grow and to learn to deal
Your Church Can Grow
by Robert Gee Witty
Growth by Survey
The Plan
1. Obtain by survey a list of
prospects.
2. Sort out these names for a
contact plan.
3. Include in the contact plan
both immediate and continuing
follow-up of the prospects.
4. Integrate the survey infor-
mation into the regular constit-
uency file.
5. Limit the time for gathering
survey information not in-
tegrated into the regular con-
stituency file.
6. Discard the names of those
who, after prayerful contact, do
not respond.
The Procedures
After initial survey the
following procedures will prove
helpful:
1. Recognize the workers.
Public expression of apprecia-
tion or some adequate recogni-
tion to the survey workers
should express the church's
thanks for special service. Such
recognition gives value to the
work and encourages others in
the effective use of the survey.
2. Put the plan into opera-
tion. Two methods offer
benefits :
a. Use a trained group of
senior members to telephone
families, giving them a per-
sonal invitation.
b. Mail a friendly (form) let-
ter of invitation from the pastor
to each prospective household.
This gives immediate contact.
(The seniors should be properly
trained in order that their
telephone contacts will be ef-
fective.)
3. Form an evaluation-
distribution committee from
the Sunday school for visita-
tion. This committee will:
a. Assign a visit to the age
group that can best make an
evaluation of the prospects of a
specific household. The visit
should give a friendly welcome,
a spiritual message, infor-
mative literature. The visit
should obtain information
about the prospects in the
household.
b. This committee will need,
on the basis of this evaluative
report, to discard those who are
not prospects, and distribute
those good prospects into
regular church constituency
files for enlistment or cultiva-
tion.
c. On the basis of tlf
evaluative report, make /
separate list of the be
prospects for an immedia
enlistment visit by the staff ij;
by a special group of workers.
4. Recognize that the value ji
a survey is only temporal
because of mobility. When tl
non-prospects have bee>
discarded and the possib
prospects contacted and i
tegrated, the survey should t
closed until that time whe
another is needed. In mar,
cases, an annual survey is pr
ductive.
Readers are encouraged to sen
ideas and successful evangelism pr
cedures to the editor, to be printed i
her discretion.
6 STEPS TO EFFECTIVE
DISCIPLE MAKING
(Used by permission of Pulpit Digest, P.O. Box 5199, Jackson, Mississippi.)
Part 4
6. Patience. Exercising patience and consistency is vitallji
important in the disciple-making process. Remember that each
person in your Extended Family is at a different level of develop-
ment. Not all fruit ripens at the same time.
As you are involved in the process of making disciples, it is,
important to let the Holy Spirit do the work, and not take it upor
yourself to force a decision. Paul Little has rightly observed,!
"None of us can play God for another person. We can't determine^
the stage of the Holy Spirit's work in his/her life. It may take;
several years for him/her to come to the Saviour and a long period
of disinterest may precede his/her decision. For Christ's sake, we
must love them nonetheless. It is the Holy Spirit, not we, who con-;
verts an individual." i
Trying to manipulate a non-Christian into a "decision,")
through a series of dramatic appeals or pre-conceived steps,i|
results in a staggering number of "dropouts" in a short period of
time. The "new life" of the unfortunate people who are victims ofi
a "quick-sell" decision rarely becomes a reality. Such "instant
evangelism," as Samuel Southard puts it, produces many
"stillborn babies."
Helping people understand the implications of God's uncondi-
tional love, in their own time frame and their own life situation.1
requires patience and consistency. It is a process that should not
be hurried. View the act of expressing God's love to members of
your Extended Family as a continuing part of your everyday life,
a process in which you willingly enter into a long-term commit-j
ment of your time and energy for seeing your friend come toj
Christ and the church.
This article is synthesized from one chapter in the new book The Master's Plan
for Making Disciples by Dr. Win Arn and Dr. Charles Arn of the Institute for
American Church Growth. The entire book may be ordered by calling (toll free)
1-800-423-4844. The price of the book is $6.95.
4
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'
otable November at
jiving Waters
November of 1983 was a very
pecial month for the members
f Living Waters Church at
ikeville.
On November 2, the mem-
ers agreed on a goal of $12,000
as compared to $10,000 for
)83) for the tenth annual Faith
romise Missions Conference.
faith promise is a promise
lat an individual makes to
ive a certain amount toward
le missionary work of the
tiurch. This amount promised
i above the regular tithes and
fferings. The goal seemed
Lmost impossible for a group
E less than one hundred people.
During the conference, which
as held November 11-13,
isiting missionaries gave
eports of their work in
akistan, New Guinea, Spain,
frica, and Indonesia. The
lessages for each service were
rought by veteran missionary,
le Rev. Harold Stevens, who
srved 27 years in South Africa,
sing as his text Mark 9:23,
uke 1:37, and 18:27, on Sunday
lorning, he brought an inspir-
lg message entitled "Im-
ossibilities." At the final ser-
ice on Sunday night the total of
le faith promise offering was
L6.370.
Sunday, November 27, had
een chosen as the day to
elebrate the tenth anniversary
f the occupany of the church
uilding. This was also the date
>r a special collection to pay
ff the debt of $7,435.45 on the
uilding.
The anniversary day came
ith a full schedule of ac-
vities. Mrs. LaRue Taylor,
hurch historian, gave a brief
istory of the church since it
'as organized in January 1973.
ome of the highlights men-
oned were that 129 people
ave been baptized and $134,000
as been given to support mis-
Lonary work around the world,
he also paid tribute to the
eceased members, who are:
News 81 Notes
Danny Smith, Annie E. Howell,
Glen Pope, who were charter
members; and Erick Ethridge,
Eddie Gurganus, Monroe
Justice, John Lundquist, Den-
nis Smith, and Estelle
Strickland. The pastor, the
Rev. Royce Reynolds, brought
a challenging message at the
morning worship hour. Hearts
were lifted and the vision in-
creased for those who were
present.
The collection for the day was
more than enough to pay the in-
debtedness. A note-burning ser-
vice was held as the climax of
the afternoon service.
Central District Youth Meet
The Central District Youth
Fellowship met January 21, at
7:30 p.m., at Hickory Grove
Church. There were 13
churches represented with an
attendance of 280 people. The
banners were given to the
following churches: Cherubs,
Elm Grove with 100%; AFC,
there was a tie between Elm
Grove and King's Cross Roads
with 100% ; YFA, there was also
a tie between Elm Grove and
Rose Hill with 75%. The church
with the most there was King's
Cross Roads with 43 people in
attendance.
The program for the meeting
was a talent contest with
talents being presented from
all of the churches wishing to
participate. The winners were
as follows: First place, King's
Cross Roads Youth Choir;
Marlboro Youth Choir; Cindi
Moye from Marlboro; and
Charles Herring from Bethany ;
second place, King's Cross
Roads Gospel Band; La Grange
YFA ; Kelly Hart of La Grange ;
and Tarboro, First Church.
Congratulations go to all the
winners and especially to all of
those that gave their time and
talent to participate in the con-
test. A special thanks goes to
Hickory Grove Church for
hosting a great meeting.
RETIREMENT
HOMES
December, 1983
Total $2,797.85
ALBEMARLE
Mount Zion
St. Paul
Total
CAPE FEAR
Bethel
Lanwood Chapel
Total
CENTRAL
Bethany
Conference
Daniels Chapel
Edge wood
Rocky Mount, First
Saratoga
Tarboro, First
Total
EASTERN
Bridgeton
Dublin Grove
Holly Springs
Oriental
Total
PEE DEE
Oak Grove
Total
WESTERN
Barnes Hill
Little Rock
Pine Level
Pleasant Hill
Rosebud
Sherron Acres
Spring Hill
Stoney Creek
Wilson, First
Total
STATEWIDE
First, St. Cloud, Florida
Total
$ 92.77
10.00
$102.77
$100.00
25.00
$125.00
$ 25.00
250.00
50.00
5.00
35.00
50.00
125.00
$540.00
$ 26.00
15.00
500.00
5.00
$546.00
$ 31.58
31.58
$ 37.50
200.00
250.00
50.00
50.00
25.00
125.00
700.00
5.00
$1,442.50
$ 10.00
$ 10.00
YOU'LL BE GLAD
YOU DID!
HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
YEW AWT TWO REED
THIS HEAR ARTIKUL
An illiterate salesman had
been sent on a selling assign-
ment. His letters to the boss are
worth reading.
"Dear Boss: I seen this outfit
which they ain't never bought a
dime's worth of nothing from
us— I sole them a coupul hun-
dred thousand dollars worth of
guds. I'm now in Chkawgo."
Two days later a second letter
arrived at the home office. It
read "I cum hear and sole them
half milyon."
Both letters were posted on
the bulletin board with a note
added by the company presi-
dent. Catching the spirit of the
situation, the president wrote in
this fashion: "We bin spendin
to much time hear trying to
spel instead of tryin to sel. Let's
watch these sails. I want
everybody shud reed these let-
ters from Gooch who is on the
rode doin a grate job for us, and
you shud go out and do like he
done."
As a minister, let me say
this: "Peopul are movin into
this hear community and we
aint getting 'em invited and
vistud. Least wise not fast enuf .
Peopul live rite near us and we
ain't invitin 'em to church and
Bibul Skul and they don't not go
nowhere. Les us do like Gooch
done and jes do our level bess
with what we have and wurk for
Christ and Christ's church.
— Nashville Narrator
Mount Olive College
FEBRUARY IS CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MONTH /
FOR ORIGINAL FREE WDLL BAPTISTS
Now is the time when high school seniors are making fin;
plans for College. In mid- January applications to Mount Olive Cc
lege were approximately 70% ahead of one year ago. We encouraj
every Free Will Baptist student to consider the many advantages <
attending our own College.
Mount Olive is a different kind of college. The most importai
characteristic of Mount Olive College is our commitment to Chri
tian faith and values and to academic excellence. We regard eac
student as a child of God and we seek to provide for him or her th
kind of educational experiences that will meet his/her needs.
We care for our students. Mount Olive is known for the clos!
and meaningful relationships which exist between faculty an1
students. The campus is a place where each student knows he ca
turn to his teacher for help, understanding and assistance.
Those who enroll this fall will have the option of continuing £
Mount Olive for four years. The junior year will be added this yea
and the senior year in 1985.
Financial aid is available, based on both merit and need. Twj
special grants are available to qualified full-time Free Will Baptis
students from North Carolina.
Annually Four- Years
$1,250 $5,000 Free Will Baptist Tuition Grant
750 3,000 North Carolina Legislative Tuition Grant (based upon |
appropriations by the General Assembly. )
$2,000 $8,000 Total Free Will Baptist and Legislative Grants.
In addition to the above programs, students may qualify fc
Federal grants up to $1,800 based on need.
Mount Olive College also awards academic honors scholar
ships ranging from $500 to $1,500 annually. Other grants includl
athletic, music, art, and ministerial awards. In addition, part-timi
employment and loans are available.
We will welcome an opportunity to assist any worthy an
qualified student in arranging a package of financial aid that wii
meet his full needs in attending Mount Olive College.
Students may visit, write or call for application forms and in
formation: The Admissions Office, Mount Olive College (Hendeil
son Building), Mount Olive, North Carolina 28365, telephone!
919/658-2502.
COMING EVENTS
(Public Invited)
February 7 Voice Recital, 7:30 p.m., College Auditorium, Irene
Weldon, professor of Music, Mount Olive College.
February 11 Financial Aid Workshop, 9:30 a.m. -12:00 noon, Room 209,
Henderson Building. A workshop designed to assist pros-
pective students and their parents in applying for all types
of financial aid.
February 16 North Carolina Writers Series, 7:30 p.m., College
Auditorium, Agnes McDonald and Mary Snotherly, Poets.
February 28 Pierson Lecture, 7:30 p.m., College Hall, Nido Qubein,
president of Creative Services, Inc.
6
THE FREE WILL BAPTISI
SOPHOMORE TUTORS
JVOTIAN STUDENT AT MOC
it was different this time because he was having trouble just
understanding English. We have to go over things several times
before he really understands what is going on. I feel I am really
helping Doua because he has a 'B' average in both English and
math. That is my greatest reward! "
Judith Taylor, a sophomore, serves
s a tutor to Doua Moua, a religion ma-
>r at Mount Olive College. Doua, a
ative of Laos, now makes his home in
'alifornia. He came to Mount Olive Col-
ige through the Free Will Baptist mis-
ion work being done among the
"mong people by the Rev. Bob Harber.
Patience and a special kind of
:are— that is what it takes to
utor a foreign student. Judith
raylor, daughter of Mr. and
vtrs. Carl J. Taylor of Deep
lun, has been practicing those
lualities each week on the
dount Olive College campus. A
ophomore, Miss Taylor tutors
..aotian student, Doua Moua, in
English and math.
When Moua arrived at the
:ollege he had a terrible
landicap with the English
anguage. Miss Taylor agreed
o tutor Moua several hours
;ach week. "In English, we
ead stories and I explain to
lim what they mean. I also ex-
ilain literary terms and help
lim to write papers. I've helped
lim to do a term paper and he
lid well on it.
"In math I help him do prob-
ems he doesn't understand. I
eview with him before he has a
est. Each time we meet, I
mswer questions he has about
Cnglish and math."
The Monday and Wednesday
essions have been the best
lind of help that Moua could
lave. He has brought his
;rades up dramatically.
Miss Taylor wondered if she
:ould do the job, but now she
inows her efforts were worth-
while. "When I first started
utoring Doua, I was a little bit
skeptical. I've been helping
ither students all of my life, but
"HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
GIFTS FOR COLLEGE HALL CHAIR REACH $28,100
A total of 79 convention chairs was contributed to Mount Olive
College during the week of January 17-23. These chairs bring to 562
the total number given thus far. The goal is 800 chairs that can be
used during conventions and other church-related events in College
Hall.
The cost of a chair is $50 and those who wish may make pledges
that will be paid on a schedule determined by the donor.
Summary through January 23
Needed 800 Chairs ($50 each) $40,000
Gifts to date 562 Chairs 28,100
Balance 238 $11,900
Donors January 17-23
Donors
In Memory of E. H. Holton
By Mrs. Ovelma S. Holton, Vandemere
In Memory of Clarence S. Bunn
By Mrs. Zora W. Bunn, Pikeville
In Honor of Mrs. Ida Lee Wooten
By Stoney Creek Woman's Auxiliary, Goldsboro
In Memory of Irene Trevathan
By Edgewood Woman's Auxiliary, Macclesfield
In Honor of Mrs. Minnie Abrahms
By Edgewood Woman's Auxiliary, Macclesfield
Lee's Chapel Church, Dunn
Deep Run Church, Deep Run
In Memory of Carson Baker, Paul Langley and
Mrs. Eula Jefferson
By Aspen Grove League, Macclesfield
In Honor of the Rev. Dennis Pollock
By Riverside Church, Princeton
Aspen Grove Woman's Auxiliary, Pinetops
Spring Branch Church, Walstonburg
In Memory of the Rev. Hubert Burress
By his family, Madelyn, Carolyn, Steve,
Dorothy and Stephanie, Pinetops
Rose of Sharon Church, Williamston
In Honor of the Rev. and Mrs. James V. Joyner
By Kenly Church, Kenly
In Honor of Mrs. Geneva Jackson
By Mr. and Mrs. Ted Dennis, Greenville
In Honor of Earl Deal
By Couples Class of Reedy Branch Church,
Winterville
In Honor of the Rev. and Mrs. Willis Wilson
By George A. Merrell, Winterville
In Memory of Elizabeth M. Merrell
By George A. Merrell, Winterville
Beaverdam Woman's Auxiliary, Chadbourn
Beaverdam Bible Class, Chadbourn
White Oak Church, Bladenboro
In Honor of Virginia Bynum
By Spring Branch Woman's Auxiliary, Walston-
burg
In Honor of Mrs. Alfred Massengill
By Bethel Woman's Auxiliary, Four Oaks
In Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Ray Narron
By Bethel Woman's Auxiliary, Four Oaks
In Honor of the Rev. and Mrs. Clarence Harris
By Mr. and Mrs. Coon Pittman Jr., Wilson
Dilda's Grove Sunday School, Fountain
Roger and Grace Davis, Deep Run
(Turn the Page)
Number
of Chairs
1
1
1
1
1
4
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
1
1
Amount
$ 50
50
50
50
50
200
50
50
50
50
50
100
100
100
50
50
50
50
50
50
100
50
50
50
50
100
50
In Memory of Oscar Webster 1 50
By Trinity Church, Pantego
Mr. and Mrs. Leo Tripp, Winterville 2 100
In Honor of Dot and Jack Dail 1 50
By Jackie and Kent Allen, Winterville
In Honor of the Rev. and Mrs. Fred Rivenbark 1 50
By Mrs. Mildred M. Crumpler, Goldsboro
Aspen Grove Layman's League, Farmville 1 50
Marlboro Church, Farmville 5 250
Long Ridge Church, Mount Olive 2 100
In Memory of Emerson B. Warren 1 50
By Saint Paul Church, Newton Grove
In Honor of Mrs. Dianne B. Riley 1 50
By Senior Sunday School Class of Saint Mary's
Church, New Bern
Woody and Mary Lou B. Pusey, Norfolk, VA 1 50
Oak Grove Church, Newton Grove 6 300
Pleasant Hill Woman's Auxiliary, Pikeville 1 50
Daniels Chapel Church, Wilson 1 50
In Honor of Mrs. Hattie Mae Everton 1 50
By the J. W. E. Auxiliary of Daniels Chapel
Church, Wilson
In Memory of the Rev. J. W. Everton 1 50
By the J. W. E. Auxiliary of Daniels Chapel
Church, Wilson
In Honor of the Sons of Daniels Chapel Church 1 50
By the Men's Fellowship of Daniels Chapel
Church, Wilson
In Memory of the Rev. James Pittman 1 50
By the Men's Fellowship of Daniels Chapel
Church, Wilson
Mrs. Effie Webb, Elm City 1 50
Mrs. Daisy Owens, Elm City 1 50
In Memory of Howard Lee 1 50
By Lois Lee Davis, Oriental
In Memory of Jimmie Lee 1 50
By Leona Rice Lee, Oriental
In Memory of Wade H. Moore 1 50
By Mildred C. Moore, Smithfield
In Memory of Edwin P. Creech 1 50
By Mildred C. Moore, Smithfield
In Honor of Mrs. Rose M. Raper 1 50
By Mr. and Mrs. S. Woodrow McCoy, Cove City
In Honor of Dr. W. Burkette Raper >•- 1 50
By Mr. and Mrs. S. Woodrow McCoy, Cove City
In Memory of Mr. Hardy Talton 1 50
By Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Jones, Pikeville
In Honor of Mrs. Mildred Talton 1 50
By Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Jones, Pikeville
In Memory of Mrs. Dorcas Barrow 1 50
By Oak Grove Ladies Auxiliary, Vanceboro
In Honor of Mrs. Lena C. Walston 1 50
By Mr. Frank L. Walston Jr., Walstonburg
In Memory of Mrs. Ethel Lockamy Dawson 1 50
By Mr. and Mrs. Peyton Lee, Dunn
In Memory of Mrs. Lillian Jackson Lee 1 50
By Mr. and Mrs. Peyton Lee, Dunn
In Memory of Mr. Henry Thaddeus Lee 1 50
By Mr. and Mrs. Peyton Lee, Dunn
In Honor of Dumas Haldene Dawson Sr. 1 50
By Mr. and Mrs. Peyton Lee, Dunn
Totals (January 17-23) 79 $3,950
FIRST BASKET SHOT IN
COLLEGE HALL
To the roar of over four hundred Students, Faculty and Ad-
ministrators, President Burkette Raper received the symbolic first
basketball tossed on the court by Coach Bob McEvoy. Calmly turn-
ing, he shot at the hoop! Swish! A clean two points! To the standing
ovation of the students, he passed the ball to the team with the com-
ment, "That's how it's done, and no, I'm not taking a second shot! "
8
The shooting of the basket-
ball was the highlight of the
student meeting held to explain
the student use of College Hall.
Dr. Raper told the students:
"This building represents the
goodness of many people, and
that there is no tax money, no
tuition money involved on its
construction." He explained
that people helped to make the
facility possible and that many
of those people would be shar-
ing in the use of the building.
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
^oreign Missions
MY CALENDAR IS MARKED FOR MARCH 9, 1984
MARCH
s
M
T W T
F
S
1
2
3
4
5
6 7 8
9
10
11
12
13 14 15
16
17
18
19
20 21 22
23
24
25
26
27 28 29
30
31
I'm going to the World Missions Conference and Rally, spon-
sored by the Board of Foreign Missions on the Mount Olive
College campus.
FEATURES
Downtown Campus
Seminars, film, banquet for those who can attend during the
day. Join us for prayer at 9 a.m. The first seminar begins at 10
a.m. All who attend the seminars will receive the book, Mis-
sionary Education Helps for the Local Church.
The Free Will Baptist Press will provide an excellent selection
of mission-related books that you can purchase during the con-
ference and rally.
College Hall- 7: 30 P.M.
World Missions Rally
This rally is for everyone. This will be one of the greatest
events of the year. It's on Friday night, no school on Saturday.
Let's fill College Hall to overflowing.
No registration fee for seminars. An offering will be received
during the World Missions Rally to cover expenses and help
finance the van der Plas trip to the Philippines.
SPORTS EVANGELISM
[HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
The Physical Education
Department and the Evange-
lism Department of Palawan
Bible Institute have combined
their efforts to begin a sports
evangelism program.
What is sports evangelism?
Sports evangelism is a Chris-
tian team engaging a non-
Christian team in competition
for the expressed purpose of
making Christ known to the
non-Christian players and
spectators. Sports evangelism
is not new or original with PBI.
But it is a new and exciting
ministry we have entered into
by faith.
Our sports evangelism pro-
gram has three objectives.
First, to make Christ known to
unbelievers. Second, to lead
those who are interested and
seeking to a meaningful rela-
tionship with the Lord Jesus
Christ. Third, to provide train-
ing for our students in
evangelistic ministry. Winning
the game is not one of our ob-
jectives.
October 28, we had our first
men's basketball game with the
varsity team of Palawan
Teacher's College. It was an ex-
citing game that ended in a tied
score. But most important,
each PTC player and coach was
given a New Testament and a
Good News Bible study. Every
spectator was given a gospel
tract. At the half-time break
the Palawan Bible Institute
men players presented a pro-
gram of gospel songs and two
shared their personal
testimonies.
We are excited at PBI
because men and women are
being trained to share Christ
with others and they are doing
it. You can be a part of this ex-
citing sports evangelism pro-
gram. We need you to pray that
the people will be responsive to
the Word of God. Also pray that
PBI players and counselors will
always show forth Christian
virtues. You can also help pro-
vide funds for the New
Testaments, Bible studies and
(Continued on Page 15)
9
Children's Home I
A HOME -A MINISTRY
Only those who have had to
live outside the confines of a
"normal" home and family can
know the hurt ( sorrow and pain
of separation) of being totally
left alone. Can you imagine the
many feelings a child must feel
when he realizes that his family
cannot, or will not, continue to
be an active part of his life? To
be totally surrounded by
strangers, with no one to call
upon, must be the ultimate feel-
ing of hopelessness. That is the
reason when we think about the
Children's Home we think
about a ministry. A ministry
that God has given to us, to
minister to the brokenhearted,
the lonely, the forgotten, the
stranger. We want to help that
child understand and realize
that we care and that people
throughout the denomination
care. Our churches, organiza-
tions and friends care about
children, their hurt, anguish
and loneliness. We might or
might not know the hurting, but
we know through God's love to
care about the hurting. Your
child care ministry is grateful
for your caring.
Our children enjoyed a
wonderful Christmas and holi-
day season. Each child was
sponsored by a church or in-
dividual. Our Christmas wor-
ship service brought joy to our
hearts, as we saw Memorial
Chapel filled. So many friends
came to share and worship
together in the celebration of
the birth of the Christ Child.
We are currently caring for
30 children, who are all well, ac-
tive and doing fine. Our resi-
dent population is up over last
year and we continue to expect
more children coming in. One
major problem now facing us is
getting enough support to care
for new children. We have the
program, the facility and the
calling. We need for our
churches and friends to con-
tinue to rally to the task that is
before us.
10
Listed below are the ways
God will meet the needs of
children through your Child
Care Ministry:
1. Pray for the children,
staff and Home.
2. Visit the Home and meet
the children.
3. Make a personal commit-
ment to support the Free Will
Baptist Child Care Ministry on
a monthly basis.
4. Support your church as it
extends its ministry by sup-
porting the ministry to
children.
5. Invite a representative of
your child care Home to visit
your local church.
6. Give Honor or Memorial
Gifts to the Home. The Home
will send acknowledgment to in-
dividuals or families you name.
7. List the Home in your
will, or begin an endowment.
8. Volunteer your time and
labor one day, or an entire sum-
mer.
9. Join together in prayer
teams and set aside special
times to pray— there is power
in prayer.
10. Let us remember God has
chosen us to minister ; children
cannot care for themselves.
For all that our churches an("
friends have done, we ar<
grateful. Remember that yoi
are sharing in the life ex
perience of a child. Thank yoi
and may God continue to bless
you.
Yours, In His Service
Bobby R. Tayloi
Executive Director.
THE FREE WILL BAPTISlj
II
RELIGIOUS
CONTRIBUTIONS
July through
December 31, 1983
LBEMARLE CONFERENCE
elhaven 3
100
jrinth
25
ickory Chapel
921
alachi's Chapel
650
ount Tabor
424
ount Zion
265
istrict Convention
186
if th Sunday Singing
100
lion Meeting
21
liloh
196
dney
115
mnd Side
392
. Paul
285
-•inity
370
nion Chapel
295
Total $
4,349
\PE FEAR CONFERENCE
3thel $
710
isey's Chapel
620
aly's Chapel
460
Dldsboro, First
950
aymount
113
apewell
228
)hnston Union
312
;e's Chapel
200
ik Grove
700
ilmer Memorial
434
easant Grove
600
Dbert's Grove
885
lverside
200
lint Mary's Grove
111
lady Grove
883
nithfield, First
420
;e's Chapel
1,455
ooten's Chapel
100
elverton Grove
457
inwood Chapel
50
ount Olive
(40)
Dwhatan
150
lint Paul
400
nyrna
200
ephen's Chapel
200
est Clinton
70
ipe Fear Youth Rally
100
Total $
10,970
BNTRAL CONFERENCE
spen Grove $
1,638
yden
30
^thany
873
ack Jack (Pitt)
806
;dar Grove
150
immunity
10
aniels Chapel
773
llda's Grove
591
dgewood
72
lm Grove
173
ree Union
1,437
riendship
1,039
am Swamp
1,147
reenville, First
960
rimsley
arrell's Chapel
300
ickory Grove
127
Dwell Swamp
470
ugo
470
Hull Road 1,307
King's Cross Roads 1,478
La Grange 481
Little Creek 970
Marlboro 482
Union Number 2 26
Auxiliary Convention 10
Ormondsville 1,136
Otter's Creek 101
Owens Chapel 196
Peace 195
Piney Grove ( Pitt ) 198
Pleasant Hill 100
Reedy Branch 1,734
Rocky Mount, First 275
Rose Hill 806
Rose of Sharon 832
Saratoga 276
Spring Branch 580
Sweet Gum Grove 402
Tarboro, First 305
Walnut Creek 100
Williamston, First 211
Winterville 1,475
Piney Grove ( Beaufort ) 303
Union Number 4 57
District Convention 295
Total $ 25,833
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Antioch $ 750
Arapahoe 330
Bethel 296
Bethlehem 610
Beaufort Mission 187
Bridgeton 426
British Chapel 200
Cabin 70
Christian Chapel 388
Crab Point 98
Croatan 300
Deep Run 432
Dublin Grove 606
Edwards Chapel 90
Friendship 230
Core Creek 787
Holly Springs 757
Indian Springs 165
Jackson Heights 582
Juniper Chapel 1,654
Kinston, First 542
Lanier's Chapel 279
Long Ridge 175
May's Chapel 600
Moseley's Creek 345
Mount Pleasant 494
Mount Zion (Pamlico) 365
Mount Zion ( Onslow ) 170
Fifth Sunday School Convention 50
Union Number 3 100
New Bethlehem 237
New Haven 681
Northeast 427
Oak Grove 258
Oriental 30
Otway 50
Pearsall Chapel 542
Pilgrim's Home 350
Pilgrims Rest 50
Piney Grove 72
Reunion Chapel 50
Rock of Zion 216
Rooty Branch 295
Sandy Plain
20
Smith's New Home
150
Sneads Ferry
200
Smyrna
250
Snow Hill
745
Sound View
114
Spring Hope
10
St. Mary's
976
Trent
80
Verona
150
Wardens Grove
418
Warsaw, First
300
Westside
1,123
Whaley's Chapel
455
White Hill
45
White Oak Grove
520
Wintergreen
20
Woodrow, First
261
Davis
200
Faith (Brunswick)
58
Folkstone
47
Free Union
65
Macedonia
255
Saints Delight
419
White Oak
41
Beaulaville
725
Auxiliary Convention
270
Thirrl Union
X 1 111 VI v 1 1 1 \j I 1
Sunday School Convention
49
Total
$
23,334
PEE DEE CONFERENCE
Union Number 1
$
70
Pee Dee Association
61
Oak Grove
1,452
White Oak
100
Mount Calvary
200
Thomasboro
50
Union Number 2
100
Total
$
2,033
PIEDMONT CONFERENCE
Cathedral
$
20
East Rockingham
195
Heritage
450
High Point
637
Highland Pines
342
Holy Cross
100
Mount Olive
100
House of Prayer
100
Love Gospel
25
Wayside Chapel
50
Total
$
2,020
ROCK FISH CONFERENCE
Mount Moriah
$
50
Total
$
50
TOE RIVER CONFERENCE
Roaring Creek
$
132
Curtis Creek
39
Poplar Church
111
Odom's Chapel
358
Total
640
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Agape Mission
$
150
Barnes Hill
306
Black Jack Grove
511
Branch Chapel
625
Calvary 350
(Continued on Page 15)
HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
11
Family Devotions
SUNDAY, k
FEBRUARY
Scripture Reading— Leviticus 11-13
GENERAL GRANT'S LAST WISH
General Grant was stricken with a fatal ill-
ness. As he approached the end of his life, he felt
his need of the Saviour and His sustaining
presence. He called for a minister. Simply the
minister presented the gospel to him.
"General," he said, "God in love sent the
Saviour to seek and to save that which was lost.
If you will sincerely call upon Him from your
heart, you will receive from Him mercy and
abundant pardon! " When the minister knelt and
prayed, God opened the heart of the general and
he was joyfully converted. God cleansed his
heart from sin. The minister was elated. "God's
kingdom has gained a great acquisition in your
conversion, General," said the minister. Im-
mediately General Grant protested, saying,
"God does not need great men, but great men
need God! There is just one thing that I now
greatly desire since Christ's great peace has
come tome . . . ." "What's that, General?" asked
the minister. "I would like to live one year more
so that I might tell others of this wonderful gift of
God's love!"
For me 'twas not the truth you taught,
To you so clear, to me so dim,
But when you came to me you brought
A sense of Him!
MONDAY, 6
FEBRUARY
Scripture Reading— Leviticus 14, 15
LEST WE FORGET
A Christian girl loved a missionary. Before
he left for India he wrote and asked her to
become his wife. "If I do not hear from you, I'll
know you have other plans," he wrote. She im-
mediately wrote a letter and accepted his pro-
posal. She asked her brother to mail the letter for
her, but it was never mailed! The girl never
heard from the missionary again. Years later,
she found the letter in the lining of her brother's
coat, yellow and crumpled. It had slipped there
when the brother had put it into his torn pocket
and he had forgotten to mail it.
Jesus has given us a message to take to
others. It is John 3:16. If we fail to deliver it,
others may never hear about Him.
TUESDAY, m
FEBRUARY
Scripture Reading— Leviticus 16-18
I'D RATHER HAVE JESUS!
When King George VI and the queen visitec
Washington, D.C., a state dinner was given ii
their honor. Chief Whitefeather, an Indian
began the program by singing the British an!
them. After the applause the chief sang, to the
surprise of those present, the hymn whose open!
ing words are, "I'd rather have Jesus than silvei1
or gold! " Later in the evening, the chief sat neail
the king and queen. Tactfully he asked the
queen, "Do you believe on Jesus?" The queer!
replied graciously, "He is the Possessor of ml
heart, and of my husband's also!" The king!
smiling, added, "I'd rather have Jesus thar
silver or gold! "
And from your eyes He beckons me,
And from your heart His love is shed,
Till I lose sight of you and see
The Christ instead!
WEDNESDAY, «
FEBRUARY 8
Scripture Reading— Leviticus 19-21
JUDGE PLEADS WITH MURDERERS
Two condemned murderers stood before
Justice A. C. Saunders to be sentenced. The*
judge said, "The retribution for your crime if
settled by the law of the land. On me reposes the
duty of carrying it into effect. May I remind yoi'
that you will appear before another Judge, the
great Judge of all the world? Before you pass in,
to His presence, may I, in all sincerity, urge yoi
to prepare for that great day. The way is througlj
repentance of your sins, confession of them, anc
embracing Christ's forgiveness assured yoi
through His blood. I beseech you to accept Chrisl
now so you may walk with Him through all eter
nity!"
A miracle has happened to me which makes
me accept the miracles of the Bible. Thit
miracle is the new birth which every Christian
has experienced. It is the application of God's
power which brings about this change!
THURSDAY,
FEBRUARY 9
Scripture Reading— Leviticus 22, 23
LET'S SPEAK OUT FOR GOD
One afternoon I was asked to go immediatelj
to see a Communist who was dying in a distanK
12
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1
lospital. His Communism had seemed to satisfy
lis sin-darkened heart in life, but in death it
ailed him. He asked for God's servant to come,
die hospital was several miles from my home,
ind the rain was pouring down. When I reached
he hospital, I found the man in a coma. As the
og lifted intermittently from his mind, I told him
if the penitent malefactor who, with a fleeting
ireath, called for God's mercy and received
orgiveness. Soon he passed into eternity.
A few days thereafter, I had his funeral. The
nost memorable thing about the service was the
utspokenness of the brother of the deceased for
itheistic Communism. I had spoken to him of his
Dst condition and need of a Saviour. My speak-
ng for God and His eternal truth seemed to
nake him only more vehement in his denuncia-
ion of Christianity.
When lost men, under the dominance of "the
>rince of this world, " Satan, are so outspoken for
rror, let God's children be instantly ready to
pen their mouths for their God and His im-
erishable truth!
HftlDAY, lft
rEBRUARY
cripture Reading— Leviticus 24, 25
THAT'S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!
An aged Christian stood before a fount,
raiting his turn to quench his thirst. As a lady
urned away from the fount, he said, "Pardon
le, lady, but have you ever drunk living water
rtiich Jesus gives to those who ask Him for it?"
Tie woman was offended. Angrily she said,
That's none of your business! " Months passed,
"he gentleman was asked to visit a dying woman
1 a nearby hospital. When he came to her bed,
he asked, "Do you recall asking a woman if she
ad ever drunk living water which Jesus gives? ' '
Yes, I do," he said. "I'm that woman! " replied
le lady. "Forgive me for being so unkind to you.
was without peace. I asked Christ to save me. I
xpect to die shortly. Be as faithful in witnessing
5 others about Christ as you were to me!"
/ know I am saved, not by anything that is of
haracter or of the works of the human heart, but
y the blood of Jesus Christ alone.
SATURDAY, lt
FEBRUARY 11
•ripture Reading— Leviticus 26, 27
A SOUL- WINNING JUDGE
I have a friend who is a federal judge. He
as a United States congressman for twenty-two
years. In the summer he was working on his
farm with one of his Black employees. The man
said to him, "Judge, have you ever talked to Tom
about his soul! " Tom was the white manager of
the farm who, with his family, had lived there for
many years.
"Why, no," said the judge, "I don't believe I
have."
"Well," persisted the questioner, "why
haven't you, Judge? I have, and Tom is thinking
about it, but it would mean so much more if it
came from you. Why don't you do it now,
Judge?"
"Well," said the judge, "I will sometime."
But the man was relentless. "Why don't you
do it now, Judge? He is up by the barn. Why don't
you go and talk to him now?"
The judge said he did some fast thinking, but
he couldn't find any real reason not to do so, so he
dropped his pruning shears and went up and had
a talk with Tom. He told him what Christ had
meant to him and to his family, and what He
could mean to this man and his family. Tom
made the great decision, and two weeks later the
judge had the joy of seeing Tom and his family
baptized and received into the church. "But,"
concluded the judge, "the thing that is on my
conscience is this: "Why hadn't I spoken to Tom
before? And how many others might be in the
Kingdom if only I had been a more faithful
witness?"
/ now regard my task as finished, namely, to
give you a picture of how my whole life was
guided and had significance in Christ's high plan
. . . . I pray that Christ's joy may descend on His
whole humanity and that mankind's joy may be
fulfilled in Him. He stands at the door of its
heart, and knocks. If mankind hears His voice
and opens the door, He will enter.
Portions selected from Knight's Treasury of Illustra-
tions, Walter B. Knight.
SPECIAL OFFER
The Free Will Baptist
Press Foundation still
has a limited supply
of 1984 calendars
available. These cal-
endars are like the
ones found inside the
December 28, 1983, issue of this publica-
tion. If you are interested in receiving one
more— or some more— of the calendars,
contact the Press by writing Box 158,
Ayden, NC 28513-0158; or by calling (919)
746-6128. The cost of the calendars is 25c
each, plus shipping and handling.
HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
13
Sunday School Lesson
For February 5
I AM THE LORD
Lesson Text: Isaiah 43:1-7
Memory Verse: Isaiah 45:22
Many times in the Old Testa-
ment we find the term Lord ap-
plied to God. The observant
reader of the Bible may have
noted that sometimes the word
appears as Lord but elsewhere
it is LORD, in large and small
capital letters. The latter is not
for emphasis. Nor, when it is
used, is it a translation of the
Hebrew. It is rather a word that
is substituted for the Hebrew
text.
The Hebrew word adonai is
rendered Lord in English, its
proper meaning. The other
term, LORD, appears in our
translations as a substitute for
the Hebrew YHWH, the cove-
nant name of God as revealed
to His people. In the concept of
ancient Israel, this name was
too sacred to be spoken. Conse-
quently, even when reading the
Scriptures, devout persons
would not utter it, but would
say Adonai instead. This, in
turn, becomes Lord in our
translations. (The American
Standard Version is an excep-
tion; it has Jehovah throughout
as the rendering of YHWH.)
The point is that wherever
LORD appears in our text, it in-
dicates Jehovah.
However, our real interest
lies in the meaning of the term,
and we must remember that it
is a name, not just a title. From
the Scriptures we learn that
this name is related to the verb
being. When Moses, at the
burning bush, was called to
return to Egypt, he said to the
Lord, "When I come unto the
children of Israel, and shall say
unto them, The God of your
fathers hath sent me unto you;
and they shall say to me, What
is his name? what shall I say
unto them?" (Exodus 3:13). (In
the Hebrew idiom, the question,
14
"What is His name?" may well
be, What is the significance of
His name?) "And God said, I
AM THAT I AM: and he said,
Thus shalt thou say unto the
children of Israel, I AM hath
sent me unto you" (v. 14).
I AM may signify the eternal,
self -existent One. Jehovah is
the God who is, in contrast to all
else that may be called god. But
more than this, He is the God
who is with His people (Exodus
3:12). Those who worship idols
must carry their gods with
them! Jehovah alone is the God
who is with His people to sus-
tain them and to guide them in
their way. This is the concept of
God that is incorporated in our
lesson today.
Beginning with Chapter 40 of
Isaiah we have what is com-
monly called "The Book of
Comfort," to be followed by
chapters dealing with the Ser-
vant of the Lord and the coming
salvation.
Comfort is desperately
needed, for the prophecy envi-
sions a time when Judah has
ceased to be a nation, her peo-
ple being exiles in Babylonia.
The setting is some one hun-
dred and fifty years after the
death of Isaiah. Jerusalem has
long since been destroyed.
"Thy holy cities are a
wilderness, Zion is a
wilderness, Jerusalem a
desolation. Our holy and our
beautiful house [the temple],
where our fathers praised thee,
is burned up with fire: and all
our pleasant things are laid
waste" (64:10, 11).
The exile has lasted some
fifty years or more, and the
people are in great distress.
"This is a people robbed and
spoiled; they are all of them
snared in holes, and they are
hid in prison houses: they are
for a prey, and none delivereth;
for a spoil, and none saith,
Restore" (42:22).
Jehovah's anger has fallen
heavily upon them because of
their transgressions. "Who
gave Jacob for a spoil, ari
Israel to the robbers? did nc
the LORD [Jehovah], h
against whom we have sinned
for they would not walk in hi
ways, neither were they ob<
dient unto his law. Therefore h
hath poured upon him [Judah
the fury of his anger" (42:2<
25).
Some believed that Go
was no longer concerned fcl
His people. Isaiah askel
them, "Why do you say, . .1
'My way is hidden from till
Lord [Jehovah]; my caus
is disregarded by my God' "J
(40:27, New? International Vet
sion). But the words of our tea
would assure them otherwise
God had subjected His people t
captivity and to humiliation a
a punishment for sin. Yet ther'
was love for them even in th
wrath of God; and as the Lor^
had been the Author of punish
ment because of the sins of Hi
people, so would He be th
Author of their redemption. I
was the nature of God to b
gracious to His people, evei
though they did not merit sucl
favor. — Standard Lesson Com
mentary
ATTENTION
WOMAN'S AUXILIARIES
Now is the time for you to col
lect your per capita dues, if yoi
have not already done so. These
dues should be collected during
the first months of the year, hi
time to be sent to your district
treasurer before, or in time fori
your district convention. The
dues are $.40 per member pel!
year.
Send these dues to youi
district treasurer; she will keep
$.20 and send $.20 to your state
treasurer. It is necessary that
you cooperate in this as these
dues provide a part of the funds
for the operational expenses oi
your convention. Thank you foi
your past cooperation; we
know that we can continue to
count on you.
Your State Treasurer,
Mrs. Raymond T. Sassei
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
«
CHILDREN'S HOME
(Continued from Page 11)
[wood Lane
/erett Chapel
illowship
ood's Chapel
*ee Spirit Mission
•emont
•ee Union
•iendship
>lly Springs
mly
ttle Rock
arsh Swamp
emorial Chapel
Icro
ilbournie
aunt Zion (Nash)
lion Number 1
lion Number 2
rst Western
Sunday School Convention
>uth Fellowship
»w Sandy Hill
iople's Chapel
ne Level
easant Grove
ney Grove
easant Hill
easant Plain
dns Cross Roads
tck Springs
isebud
lma
erron Acres
ring Hill
Mary's
moil's Chapel
jney Creek
jny Hill
inity
don Chapel
lion Grove
lity (WUson)
itson's Grove
ison, First
irham, First
>unt Zion (Wilson)
ik Grove
rotal
180
994
25
150
119
633
70
850
600
660
1,465
1,709
58
280
1,090
359
165
35
66
150
265
275
964
2,145
217
20
250
270
41
244
200
1,050
1,174
930
769
2,175
350
1,861
300
413
195
65
3,151
150
205
394
14_
29,692
her Church Revenue
itewide Free Will Baptists $ 1,218
>TAL REVENUE -
CHURCHES
$100,143
MEMORIAL GIFTS
In Memory of David and Madora Day
Earl C. Day.
In Memory of Caddie Whitehurst by
rs. Jesse B. Alexander.
In Memory of Mrs. Mary Robertson
' Hickory Chapel Church
Jbemarle).
Mrs. Wayne Taylor by Hickory
lapel Church (Albemarle).
In Memory of William Dilday by Mr.
d Mrs. C. S. Lupton.
In Memory of Clyde Broughton by
ent Church (Eastern).
In Memory of Evelyn Manning by
Rose of Sharon Church.
In Memory of Mrs. Emma E. Casey
by Mrs. James C. Guin Jr.
In Memory of Leslie S. Hart by Mrs.
Victoria V. Hart.
In Memory of Henry Herndon by
Georgia Crumpler.
In Memory of Hubert Burress by
Mrs. Hubert Burress.
In Memory of Blanche Snell by Mrs.
Eunice Pierce.
In Honor of Mrs. Juanita Jackson by
Shady Grove Church (Cape Fear).
FOREIGN MISSIONS
(Continued from Page 9)
tracts to be used in this
ministry.
"And the Lord said unto the
servant, go out into the
highways and hedges, and com-
pel them to come in, that my
house may be filled" (Luke
14:23). Thank each of you for
your part in helping us to go in-
to the highways and hedges of
the Philippines.
Fred Baker
Missionary to the Philippines
SPECIAL NOTICE
Any leaguers, youth groups,
or persons needing a copy of the
State League Convention Sword
Drill, contact me. Participants
not from leagues are required
to post a $10 registration fee
from their churches. The '84
and '85 drills were compiled by
using the Articles of Faith and
Principles of Church Govern-
ment as their guide. I intend to
keep doing this. Remember, we
are going to get future
ministers and workers just like
the ones we have trained in our
churches now! Once a month or
a year is not enough. May God
help us and bless us.
The 1984 convention will con-
vene Saturday, March 10, 10
a.m., at Beaverdam Free Will
Baptist Church, Chadbourn,
North Carolina.
Margaret Ard
Route 1
Pink Hill, North Carolina 28572
568-4685
THE CHRISTIAN NURTURER
by Bass Mitchell
If you are looking for creative ideas and practical helps in
Christian education and teaching, then you will be interested in
"Griggs's Innovative Teaching Resources." This series is made up
of fourteen paperback books which set forth in a readable and prac-
tical manner some of the ideas and teaching techniques being
developed and used in Christian education today. The chief planner
and editor of the series is Donald Griggs. It is published by Ab-
ingdon Press, Nashville, Tennessee. The prices for the individual
works range from $4.95 to $5.95. The following is a list of the works:
Developing Christian Education in the Smaller Church, by Carolyn Brown.
Creating and Playing Games With Students, by Jack Schaupp. This book ex-
amines how games can be used in learning, especially in stimulating the creativity
of students and teachers.
Using Storytelling in Christian Education, by Patricia Griggs.
20 Ways to Use Drama in Teaching the Bible, by Judy Gattis Smith.
20 New Ways of Teaching the Bible, by Donald Griggs. Each method is il-
lustrated by example and sketches.
Teaching Teachers to Teach, by Donald Griggs. This is an excellent resource for
pastors, superintendents, and teachers. It explores such practical areas as writing
teaching objectives, planning the lesson, evaluating the lesson, and the creative use
of audio-visual aids.
Translating the Good News Through Teaching Activities, by Donald Griggs.
Creative Activities in Christian Education, by Patricia Griggs. This examines
new and creative teaching activities with children.
Generations Learning Together, by Donald and Patricia Griggs.
Into All the World, by Richard L. Rohrbaugh. This explores some of the methods
and tools of Bible study.
Teaching With Music Through the Church Year, by Judy Gattis Smith.
Preparing for the Messiah, by Doris Williams and Patricia Griggs. This book
sets forth ideas and activities which can help students discover rich new meanings
behind Advent and Christmas.
Teaching and Celebrating Advent, by Donald and Patricia Griggs.
Teaching and Celebrating Lent-Easter, by Patricia and Donald Griggs.
These books can be ordered through our bookstores.
3E FREE WILL BAPTIST
15
Over sixty musicians crowded into the
Multipurpose Room located in the Free
Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.
facility on Monday evening, January
16, to participate in THE MUSIC
EVENT OF THE YEAR! This
Singspiration Music Festival was under
the direction of Larry White, a
Singspiration clinician and
musician of the highest order.
The workshop was so suc-
cessful that another is being
planned for this summer.
Thank you for your support!
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
Mfi-
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1984, AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA
The Free Will Baptist
CONTENTS
Editorial 2
Feature 3
Weekly Features
News and Notes 6
Children's Home 6
Mount Olive College 8
Home Missions 10
Sunday School Lesson 11
Family Devotions 12
Foreign Missions 15
A Pastoral Prayer 4
Teacher's Outlook 5
The Christian Nurturer 5
Volume 99 Number 6
February 8. 1984
Janie Jones Sowers
Editor
Edited and published forty-eight times a year by
the Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811
North Lee Street. Ayden, North Carolina 28513-0158.
Second-class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina
(USPS 209-440).
All materials to be placed in any issue must be in
the hands of the editor seven days prior to the
publication date of that issue.
The purpose of this paper is to promote the cause of
Christ among Original Free Will Baptists, and we
reserve the right to refuse any article or news that is
Inconsistent with our purpose, programs, or policies,
and that does not reflect a spirit of harmony and
cooperation with the Free Will Baptist Press Foun-
dation and the North Carolina State Convention of
Original Free Will Baptists.
The contents herein do not necessarily reflect the
beliefs or policies of the editor or of The Free Will
Baptist. The responsibility for each article is given
the person whose name appears under the title or to
the person submitting said article.
Items for publication should be addressed to the
Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box 158, Ayden,
North Carolina 28513-0158.
All subscriptions are payable in advance: one
year. $8.84; two years, $16.12; four years. $31.20 (in-
cluding sales tax for North Carolina residents ) ;
residents of other states. $8.50, $15.50 and $30 respec-
tively (plus sales tax where it applies).
Every-Family Plan: A 25 percent discount given
when local churches send the "Baptist" to the home
of every member; names and addresses to be pro-
vided by churches. Churches are billed quarterly.
Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists" are
sent to one individual who in turn distributes these. A
50 percent discount is offered under this plan.
Bookstore Hours: Ayden, Smithfield, and
Whiteville, 9 a.m.— 5 p.m., Monday— Saturday.
New Bern, Wilson, and Kinston, 9:30 a.m.— 5 p.m.,
Monday — Saturday .
Board of Directors
Dewey Boling, President; C. Felton Godwin, Vice
President; Ruth Taylor, Secretary; Adrian Grubbs,
Assistant Secretary; Robert May; Eddie Edwards,
Marice DeBruhl; James Billy Hardee; De Wayne
Eakes; David W. Hansley, Chairman Emeritus.
Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.: Cliff
Gray, Executive Director; Bobby Pennington,
Financial Director; Janie Jones Sowers, Editor of
Literature.
2
/
Are They Really "Wacky"?
During the course of an average day, a minister is "torn
apart," shifting gears from one emotion to another. He re-
joices with a young couple at the birth of their child, he ex-
periences despair over a marriage that is breaking up; there
is always someone's need(s) over which he is concerned.
Tragedies only serve to make his worry over financial con-
cerns at the church or in his own home seem more desperate ;
and then he is faced with the reality that his family needs him,
too. Of course, we cannot forget that he has little or no time for
his own emotional needs. All of this has a way of catching up
with the individual— no matter who he or she might be.
While thinking about the various gear-shifts a person in-
volved in Christian ministry goes through, I ran across the
following excerpt of an editorial written some years ago in
another publication. Well worn, this clipping struck home;
and I share it with you below.
A perennial question was tossed to me on one of my recent preaching |
missions. "Why are ministers so wacky?" You'll notice this is in the same
category as "When did you stop beating your wife?" But, for the sake of
argument, let us allow the assumption.
One of the reasons that ministers tend to be "wacky" is that the
demands are immense. I use the word immense in the technical sense of
"immensus," that is, that which can be understood to a degree, but not
completely, with our finite categories of thought. No one, least of all the
minister, can know what it is he's supposed to be or what he's supposed
to do, because he takes his color, and his self-understanding, at least in a
real sense, from the people he's called to serve. He is essentially a lover
and an enabler of love. Now love can be a touchy subject, and most people
are totally bewildered and confused both about their feelings and how
they can be safely manifested. Enter confusion.
The physician, the psychiatrist, the lawyer, the dentist, the
businessman and the manufacturer all have clear-cut job descriptions ... jjj
seldom are they forced to make a professional response on the basis of i
personal emotion and love.
But the gospel is overtly about emotions. It's about joy, ecstasy, fear,
dread, guilt, loneliness, and personal involvement in all of these. Natural-
ly, ministers are going to be a little "wacky" with this kind of crucible in
which they must constantly perform.
When you consider what it means to be in touch with the Holy Spirit I
in terms of what love means in the context of the gospel, it is the most ex-
citing and profoundly precious thing that could happen . . . But because
the ministry is so intimate and profound, it is relatively rare that a person
should be able to "turn on" everybody. We must lower our expectations,
rather than glibly assuming that all ministers are "nuts" and should not be
taken seriously. You'd be "nuts" too if you were facing the same 24-hour 1
life and death pressures every day from hundreds of people, each one of
whom had different rights and different expectations.
Be kind. Take a preacher to lunch this week.
While I am confident that there are those of you who
definitely do not agree with this gentleman's assumptions, do, |
at least, consider his premise. Afterwards, take a few minutes |
and formalize your thoughts on the ministry. Think about all j
that is involved— if the minister is doing his "job." Above all,
let your pastor know you appreciate him ; call his name before
the throne of grace whenever you pray. You will be surprised
the difference it will make.
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS
REACHING IS . . .
by Donald Charles Lacy
•d Methodist Church, Ind
sed by permission of Pulpit Digest, P.O. Box 5199, Jackson, Mississippi 39216.)
Meadowdale United Methodist Church, Indianapolis, Indiana \ \\^^h
Our Protestant heritage car-
js with it the centrality of
eaching in congregational
>rship as the chief means of
ivating Jesus the Christ as
viour and Lord. To em-
asize worship is to era-
asize preaching, and vice
rsa.
Our laity can help clergy
come better preachers. As
mrades in the cause of Christ
id His church, they can aid us
10 preach in communicating
e Word of God to hungry and
irsty souls. However, before
ey can really give us a help-
g hand, the professional
Inistry must recognize in fear
id trembling some of the en-
iring essentials of preaching.
;all your attention to a begin-
ng list of twenty character-
;ics of faithful preaching.
1. Preaching is sacramen-
I: it brings people in touch
th the grace of God. (I
wider how many preachers
lieve that in any serious
nse! )
2. Preaching is saving: it
•eates opportunities for
ecious human beings to come
terms with their Redeemer
id in fact be made right with
m.
3. Preaching is satisfying :
both preacher and parishioner
have a need to share thoughts
and feelings-under the guidance
and inspiration of the Holy
Spirit.
4. Preaching is scholarly:
every local pastor should be a
"theologian in residence." Too
long we have attempted to
separate the preaching and
teaching functions. The pulpit
is to be occupied by a preacher
who is also a teacher. Today's
sensitive and well-educated
laity eventually will not settle
for anything less.
5. Preaching is searching:
it does not claim to lay before a
congregation pat answers to
those mysteries where Scrip-
ture does not provide clear
answers. Nevertheless, it
points to The Answer. And it
humbly admits that its value is
being a means and not an end in
itself.
6. Preaching is selfless: it
becomes obedient to the work
of the Holy Spirit in and
through both our intellects and
emotions. In short, we do not
preach "the" sermon; we
preach the Crucified and
Resurrected Christ.
7. Preaching is sensible: it
explicitly or implicitly presents
the option of belonging to Christ
and spending eternity with Him
or belonging to the world and
being lost in Hell. (We may not
especially like the word "hell,"
but our Lord manages to use it
upon several occasions.)
8. Preaching is sensitive: it
does not seek to dominate and
manipulate those whom God
loves. (Of course, some will
perceive anything other than
positive pointers to worldly suc-
cess as being insensitive.)
9. Preaching is serious: it
deals with man's whole being,
in both the present and ultimate
terms. We are not entertainers;
we are under orders from the
Master . . . and that's serious
business.
10. Preaching is significant:
it really doesn't have any
substitutes. In preaching, the
Holy Spirit is uniquely at work
creating a dialogue between
preacher and people.
11. Preaching is social: it
does not occur in a vacuum.
Common kindness, cour-
tesies, and compliments are
important to gaining the right
to be heard. Most will listen
gladly without padded pews
and a revolving spotlight on the
(Turn the Page)
iE FREE WILL BAPTIST
pulpit. However, few — if
any— will tolerate arrogance
and disrespect by the preacher.
12. Preaching is spiritual:
the preacher in the pulpit
represents an historical figure
who is now present through the
Holy Spirit. Therefore, both a
mystical and mysterious quali-
ty exist with true preaching,
and we must beg God that it be
recovered in our churches!
13. Preaching is stimulating:
it renews moribund congrega-
tions and calls to repentance
those who hear and thus
discover the saving power of
the Lord. Let us not write off
mass evangelism with integri-
ty. Yet, we are mandated to be
on guard against ques-
tionable—even enormously
hurtful— methodolody, which
stresses the preacher and not
Christ.
14. Preaching is strong: it
brings the Word of God into
meaningful contact with the liv-
ing needs and concerns of a
congregation. Therefore, it is
not apologetic ; it does not back
away from the truth as it is
given by God in His Word.
15. Preaching is subjective:
while the Word comes to and
for human beings, it also comes
through a preacher who is
tainted by original sin and
whose perspectives are limited.
"Truth through personality" is
an accurate depiction.
16. Preaching is submissive:
we are called to deliver what is
given to us and not necessarily
what we might like to preach
about. We are to die daily to the
will of the Master— and that
means Sundays in the pulpit.
17. Preaching is survival:
there is an urgency on the part
of the preacher who believes
that preaching has to be done.
"Woe be unto me if I preach not
the gospel" was never more
valid than today.
18. Preaching is sustaining:
we nourish our flock and they,
likewise, nourish us. The in-
teraction that can and should
take place between preacher
and people is often a banquet!
j
19. Preaching is sweaty: we
are to toil and perspire until the
riches of the faith give forth
their life-giving gems. We who
preach must probe the Word,
study and apply preaching
skills, draw wisely upon the
unlimited sources that inundate
us from the secular world, and
make use of various literary
forms in our preaching.
20. Preaching is symphonic:
there is a harmony that results
among God's people with con-
vincing clarity when preacher
and people agree that to be
right with Him is all that
ultimately matters. Only the
Maestro of marvels, the Master
Save us, Lord, from sinking
into sin. Save us from thinking
we can disobey you and please
you at the same time; from
thinking we can travel to some
far country of selfishness and
also be at home with you ; from
thinking we can do whatever
we feel like doing and also be
acceptable to you. Save us from
giving in to any clever and at-
tractive temptation that would
cause us to give to you a place
in our lives other than the one
you desire and require from us :
first place. Make us be aware
that in order to be your people
we are called to think your
thoughts and walk in your
paths. Spare us the tragedy of
being casual in our dis-
cipleship: willing to be Chris-
tian in name, but not in thought
or deed.
Save us, Lord, from empty,
hollow living. It is not a good
thing for a person's one life on
this earth to add up to nothing.
If life has become a mean-
ingless repetition of yesterday ;
if all we do is what we've
always done; if what we
discover is what we've always
known; if today is just one
himself, can conduct suchjj
concert!
In the most elemental
sense, we are called to worsh
God through Christ and to sen
one another. We are not apt
do much conscientious ar
rightly-motivated servin
unless we have first worship*
our God in the fellowship <
others with expectancy
relevancy, and frequency.
Saint Paul tells us, "So fail
comes from what is heard, an
what is heard comes by th
preaching of Christ" (Romar
10:17, RSV). You and I are n<
likely to improve upon that a
we seek to make worship
keynote in our churches.
I
more day in an existence thill
has no point or reason othtl
than the passing of time ; if \J
look at our particular lives an
wonder, "Is that all there is?';
then give to us, Father, a clesi
call, an invitation, a sum
mons— perhaps a commanf
ment is in order!— to be si
journers and pilgrims on tfti
earth, persons who travel herr
individually and with other.'
with you as the God of thei
lives. Provide us with a sacret
glimpse of eternity now, (
abundant living now, so ths
our lives can be filled wit
vitality, faith, hope, and love
Make that sacred glimpse hoi
before us the exciting
challenging pursuit of ea
cellence in all we say and dc
Make this journey on earth a
inspiring, wonderful time whe
we — yes, even we— becom
friends, followers, of the Go
Most High. Be not as a strange
to us, Lord; be instead as th
God revealed to us in you
Word, in the person of Jesu
Christ: our Heavenly Father.
And we will go on our way, re
joicing and free.
Through Christ our Lord am
Saviour. Amen.
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'
A PASTORAL PRAYER
by Gordon H. Reif
First Presbyterian Church,
Chicago Heights, Illinois
Teacher's Outlook
by Lucy Barrow Mooring
Dr. Calvin Mercer, Doua's advisor at Mount Olive College, shares a quiet mo-
lent at the Moye Library with Doua and Professor Lucy B. Mooring, Doua's
nglish teacher.
I appreciate my Free Will
baptist heritage and the oppor-
jnity to work at Mount Olive
!ollege, my home away from
ome. The College was founded
y the Church to provide "a
rogram of higher education
lat is distinctly Christian and
lat emphasizes the educa-
onal development of whole
uman beings, the service of
rod through serving others and
le value of the liberal arts in
n educational program. As a
hurch- related college, Mount
•live seeks to assist each stu-
ent in developing his full
otential as a child of God. It is
1 the fulfillment of this mission
lat the College finds its
istorical reasons for existence
nd its continued purpose for
eing."
THE
CHRISTIAN NURTURER
by Bass Mitchell
'art I: The Care and Nurturing
of Sunday School Teachers
Recently a Sunday school
uperintendent said to me, "We
eem to have lost our en-
husiasm about the work of the
unday school. Teacher morale
3 at an all-time low. When I try
o get them together to deal
HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
Doua Moua, a Laotian re-
fugee attending Mount Olive
College, yearns to develop his
full potential "as a child of
God." Already a lay speaker,
he dreams of becoming a
minister. In California, Doua's
home away from home, only
three pastors serve 35,000 Lao
Christians. To fulfill his dream,
Doua needs and wants the best
possible education. Recogniz-
ing his need and potential,
Calvin Mercer, his advisor, has
worked closely with Doua and
his instructors, and arranged
for a private tutor three hours
each week. With such help,
Doua is succeeding.
Working as Doua Moua's
English teacher at Mount Olive
College nudges my conscience
and encourages counting my
with the problem, only a few
show up. My other efforts have
also met with indifference or
even criticism. I'm frustrated
and discouraged. What can I
do? How can I help motivate
our teachers and inspire them
to greater commitment?"
This is the first in a series of
articles that will address this
common problem. How can we
blessings. As a refugee, he
faced not only the agony of
leaving his homeland, but also
the agony of trying to com-
municate in a foreign country
with scant knowledge of its
language. He speaks and writes
fluently in Laotian, his native
tongue; he is struggling to
develop the same skills in
English; to succeed he must
translate assigned materials
from English into Laotian for
understanding and back into
English to prepare assign-
ments. Such a process requires
time, given willingly. The pro-
cess also requires patience,
diligence, and ability; none of
these are barriers.
Some difficulty with relation-
ship words, tense concepts,
word endings and general rules
of grammar still exists, but
Doua continues to improve, an
important evaluation criteria.
The following quote appears in
a November 12 assignment, a
critical evaluation of "escape"
and ' ' interpretative ' ' writing :
"An interpretive story presents
us with an insight large and
small into the nature and condi-
tions of our existence. It takes
us behind the scenes, shows us
the props and mirrors, and
seeks to make clear the illu-
sions."
Knowing Doua, a dedicated
Christian, enriches my life. In
his writing I find a "special
kind of splendor," a "pearl,"
slowly nudging its way from the
shell, waiting to be polished to
potential brilliance.
as leaders in the church nur-
ture teachers in such a way that
they will be more committed,
motivated, inspired, and en-
thused about the teaching
ministry?
Now we must realize at the
outset that we cannot motivate
teachers! Motivation must
come primarily from within
(Continued on Page 14)
News & Notes
Upcoming Events at
Princeton Mission
The new Princeton Mission
had a revival and commission-
ing service on January 9, 1984,
through January 13, 1984. They
had good services each night.
The Rev. T. C. Farmer was the
evangelist. There were singers
from Catalpa Church, Tee's
Chapel Church, Pleasant Grove
Church, and Haymount
Church.
For the commissioning ser-
vice on Friday night, the Revs.
Alton Howard, T. C. Farmer,
Ted Bryant, Dean Kennedy,
board members of the Cape
Fear Missions Board, deacons
from Haymount Church, Den-
nis Canady, Eddie Mason,
James Mitchell were praying
at the altar for the Rev. Smith
and the work at Princeton.
All churches in the Cape Fear
Conference were asked to be
mother churches. It was asked
that they do not take anything
away from their own church's
donations to other denomina-
tional enterprises, but pray for
this work and send all dona-
tions to H. T. Hinson, treasurer
of Cape Fear Conference,
Route 2, Dunn, North Carolina,
earmarked for the Cape Fear
Missions Board.
Sherron Acres to Celebrate
Its 50th Anniversary
Sherron Acres Church, 1300
Lynn Road, Durham, will
celebrate its 50th anniversary
on February 19, 1984.
On February 18, 1934, about
15 people met in a small house
in the community and orga-
nized a church. God used
Brother Q. Hansley as founder
and Brother R. L. Hutchins as
co-founder. The late Rev.
Henry Melvin presided over the
organizational meeting.
God has blessed the church
through the years. Many young
men have heard the call of God
to preach and have responded.
On the 50th anniversary one
of the co-founder's grandsons,
the Rev. J. C. Lynn, will teach
all adult Sunday school classes.
During the morning worship
hour, Mrs. Hansley, the
founder's widow, will receive
special recognition. The Rev.
Wingate Hansley, the founder's
son, will preach the morning
message.
Following the worship ser-
vice, lunch will be served in the
fellowship hall. A memorial
service will follow. Special
recognition will be given to all
former pastors and sons in the
ministry. They will each bring
brief greetings.
An invitation has been ex-
tended to all former pastors
/.
and sons in the ministry. AI
former members and theii
families are invited.
Oak Grove Church
Has Baptism
On February 5, 1984, Oa
Grove Church, Route 3, Elr
City, held a baptismal servic€
There were 5 candidates to 1
baptized. This totals 36 tha
have been baptized in the past
years since the Rev. Clarenci
Harris has been pastor of th
church. There have been 21 tha
moved their memberships b;
letter. Thanks go to Mr. Harri
and his wife.
Children's Home
"A NEW ADDITION"
On Friday, January 20, the Children's Home had a new addition
to its family ... a pin-ball machine! Mr. and Mrs. Harry Hersh oil
Raleigh donated the new addition to our family of recreation, and I
was delivered in excellent condition! This is only "part" of th<'
goings-on in the renovation of our new Recreation and Activitie:1
program. Along with the new program will be a well-plannec
system of supervision to assure us AND YOU that our investment!
of time and energy are well protected. We believe that our childrei
need and deserve the right of recreational opportunities.
We would like to publicly acknowledge this gift from the Herslj
family, and thank them for their kindness. But there is more to i
than, just "Thank you." We have not simply added to our inventory
of recreational supplies ... we have added to our register of peopl<
who care . . . ABOUT OUR CHILDREN.
6
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
"A NEW FACE IN
TUTORING"
CHILDREN TAKE TRIP!
As many of you may know,
rs. Hilda Boone is no longer
ith us as Educational Coor-
nator and Tutor. We ap-
'eciate the contributions that
rs. Boone made during her
srvice with the Children's
ome, and we will miss her.
But, as the Lord has prom-
ed, He did not "leave us com-
•rtless." (A bit out of
mtext!) After much prayer
id deliberation we selected
le well-qualified applicant to
il the position.
Mr. Clint Johnson, a resident
Sims, North Carolina, is a
.A. graduate of North
irolina State University, and
M.A. graduate of East
arolina University. His
aster's studies were in
ducational Administration,
r. Johnson is currently serv-
g as principal at Vinson-
ynum School in the Wilson
Dunty School System. He has
id an accumulative ex-
jrience of above seven years
} principal of public schools,
id four years as a public
:hool teacher. Mr. Johnson
is a genuine interest in our
lildren and is excited about
s work with the Children's
ome. He has already won the
jarts of the children being
itored, by bringing a com-
lter to incorporate into his
aching strategies.
We thank God for His
ridance in providing a person
! his caliber. Pray for our
itoring ministry, for we have
iveral "special students" with
feat educational needs.
On January 25, our children,
ages 5 to 11, enjoyed a tour of
the Wilson Fire Department.
Upon arrival at the fire
station, the children viewed
and learned about the different
types of trucks and equipment
used by the department. A fire
safety film was also shown to
the children. The highlight of
the tour was a visit by
"Sparky," the department's
fire dog. "Sparky" delivered
coloring books to the children.
We thank the Wilson Fire
Department for an informative
and interesting tour.
"RECREATION IS A MUST!"
Remember the cliche, "All
work and no play makes Jack a
dull boy"? That may not win
the Nobel Prize for great
psychological findings in 1984,
but we see it as holding a great
deal of truth in working with
children and young people.
Wholesome recreation for
young people is like "apples of
gold in pitchers of silver!" It
stimulates excitement and pro-
vides a vent for stress ; it helps
eliminate boredom, one of the
major causes of discipline
problems; it provides a much-
needed interaction with people
and experiences in the "out-
side world" ; and it shows our
children that we are interested
in every aspect of their lives.
January began our new '84
Activities Schedule. We are ex-
cited about what the year holds
for recreation activities. Begin-
ning January, Bill Laws of
Wilson invited our young people
to his "Space Odyssey" for an
hour of video games, to be con-
tinued one Monday night of
each month. On January 21, we
took a group to Morehead
Planetarium in Chapel Hill,
preceded by a picnic lunch.
February activities include
bowling at Western Lanes in
Wilson, and Roll-A-Wheel
rollerskating.
If anyone would like to par-
ticipate in providing at least
one major activity each month
for our children, please feel
free to let us know. This is one
way that we can continue to
provide TOTAL CARE for our
children.
MATERIALS AVAILABLE
The Free Will Baptist
Children's Home will be happy
to supply your church will pro-
motional materials: special of-
fering folders, bulletins,
bulletin inserts, and memorial
gift envelopes. We would also
be happy to print and furnish
bulletins for your special ser-
vices or meetings. You may ob-
tain these materials or services
by writing to us at P.O. Box 249,
Middlesex, North Carolina
27557, or calling (919) 235-2161.
HONORARY AND MEMORIAL GD7TS
What a pleasant surprise it would be to open your mail and find
that someone appreciates you enough to send a gift to the
Children's Home in your honor! You can brighten the day of a
friend, loved one, co-worker— anyone— by making a contribution to
the Children's Home in honor of that person. All you have to do is to
send your gift earmarked as an honorary gift and give us the name
and address of that person so that we can send him a card of
(Continued on Page 14)
HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
7
David and Hallie Still from Zion Church of the Paul Palmer Conference,
Blakely, Georgia, attended the Grand Opening of College Hall. David Still video-
taped all of the Grand Opening ceremonies.
Shown above during a tour of the campus are (l-r) JoAnn Pennington, Gift
Records Secretary, the Stills, and Dianne Riley, Director of Admissions. The Stills
also spent nearly a week visiting the various denominational enterprises in North
Carolina.
MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE TO
SPONSOR FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOP
Mount Olive College is offering an opportunity for students to
plan for their future educational needs. A special Financial Aid
Workshop for students and their parents is set for February 18 in
the Henderson Building, room 209. There is no registration fee.
Students attending any college in the fall will receive specific
instructions on the programs and the procedures to be followed in
the application for financial aid. A wide range of financial aid is
available— scholarships, grants, loans and work study.
The schedule for the day includes :
Registration and Refreshments 9:30 a.m.
Opening Remarks 10:00 a.m.
Dr. W. Burkette Raper, President
Dr. Opey D. Jeanes, Dean
Workshop 10:15a.m.
Vicky Bell, Director of Financial Aid, will explain:
Programs of Aid
Procedures for Application
Question and Answer Session 11:30 a.m.
Conclusion 12:00 noon
Mount Olive College awards academic honors scholarships
ranging from $500 to $1,500 annually. Other grants include athletic,
music, art and ministerial awards. Part-time employment and
loans are available. Qualified Free Will Baptist students are of-
fered a $1,250 Tuition Grant and full-time North Carolina students
are eligible for the $750 North Carolina Legislative Tuition Grant.
For information on the workshop, call Vicky Bell, 919/658-4933,
or write The Director of Financial Aid, Mount Olive College, Mount
Olive, North Carolina 28365.
Endowment of the Week
H
l
AMOS AND BERTIE 1
WHALEY HOWARD
ENDOWMENT
Mount Olive College
Amos and Bertie Whaley Howard
The Howard Endowment ha
been established by th
children of Amos and Berti
Whaley Howard as a livinj
tribute to their parents and fo
the advancement of Christian
education.
Amos Howard (born 1895
and Bertie Whaley (born 1896)
both natives of Lenoir County
North Carolina, were marries
in 1914 and were the parents q
twelve children, of whom
eleven are still living.
In response to a request foj
information about thei:
parents, Versie (Mrs. W. E.
Baldree of New Bern and Ver
die (Mrs. Edward) Hill of Pin!
Hill wrote :
"They both accepted Christ in
their early teens and united with
Smith's New Home Church, Deep
Run. They were married January
4, 1914.
"Mama and Pa worked side by
side on the farm for about thirty
years and also operated a small
grocery store for a few years.
They learned to live at home by
growing and preserving most of
the food they ate.
"Though busy taking care of a
large family, they always took
time to worship God and to instill
in their children the love of God
and their fellowman. Their
greatest desire was that their
children would become Chris-
tians. They have seen each one
8
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1
accept Christ as his personal
Saviour.
"In 1945 they left the farming to
three of the sons, and moved to
Pink Hill. They opened a
restaurant and served home
cooked meals. After they retired
from the restaurant, they still
kept busy, Pa helping a son in a
country store, and Mama
quilting, crocheting, visiting the
sick and shut-in. Since Pa's death
in 1965, Mama has taken art
lessons and has painted dozens of
pictures, some decorate her
home and others she has shared
with her children, grandchildren,
pastor and friends.
"Mama who is affectionately
called 'Miss Bertie,' loves her
Lord, her church, and is always
faithful in attendance at worship
services, Sunday school and
Woman's Auxiliary. She attends
many conferences and conven-
tions and was chosen Free Will
Baptist Woman of the Year in
1972. She is an avid supporter of
all our denominational enter-
prises. She is 87 years young and
in good health, for which she
gives credit to her Lord.
"We thank God for the lives of
our parents, the contribution they
have made to the Kingdom of
God, their family, friends, and to
our Free Will Baptist denomina-
tion."
The Howard children, in
rder of birth, are: Verna Lee
oward, Kinston; Horace A.
oward, Pink Hill; Verdie
VIrs. Edward) H. Hill, Pink
ill; Harold F. Howard, Pink
ill; Versie (Mrs. W. E.)
aldree, New Bern; Haywood
?. Howard, Pink Hill ; Heber L.
bward, Deep Run; Hugh H.
bward, Pink Hill; Houston B.
oward, Pink Hill; Eloise H.
Worth) Hemby, Kinston;
sanette H. (Winford) Duff,
eulaville; and Henry Clay
oward (deceased).
RELIGION DEPARTMENT
TO SPONSOR FILM
"Memories and Perspec-
ves," a film depicting the life
f Dietrich Bonhoeffer, will be
tiown March 2, 7:30 p.m., in
ollege Auditorium. This event
! open to the public free of
harge.
(Continued on Page 14)
67 MORE CHAIRS CONTRIBUTED TO COLLEGE HALL
The gift of sixty-seven more chairs for College Hall during the
week ending January 30 brought to 629 the total number given to
date. The College is seeking contributions of $50 each for a total of
800 chairs which will be used for conventions and other church-
related events.
The chairs, along with over 1,200 bleacher seats, will bring to
more than 2,000 the number of people who can be seated on the
main floor of College Hall. Several hundred additional persons can
be accommodated in the 480-foot balcony which surrounds the
arena.
Needed
Gifts to date
Balance
Summary Through January 30
800 Chairs ($50 each)
629 Chairs
171
Donors January 24-30
Donors
In Memory of Sam Hocutt
By Mrs. S. H. Hocutt, Goldsboro
Sidney Church, Belhaven
Mrs. Alfred Massengill, Four Oaks
In Memory of Horace E. Mixon
By Sudie M. Mixon, Wilson
Little Creek Church, Ayden
Mrs. Ruth L. Warrick, Clayton
In Honor of Dr. Floyd Cherry
By Mrs. Ruth L. Warrick, Clayton
In Honor of Mrs. Floyd Cherry
By Mrs. Ruth L. Warrick, Clayton
Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Newsome, Wilson
In Memory of Roger D. Rowe Sr.
By Mrs. Leoria C. Watson, Kenly
In Honor of the Rev. Adrian Grubbs
By Deep Run Ladies Auxiliary, Deep Run
In Honor of Mrs. Bertha Harper
By Deep Run Ladies Auxiliary, Deep Run
In Memory of Murray Wade Boyette
By Mrs. Murray Wade Boyette and Family, Trenton
In Honor of Mrs. Murray Wade Boyette
By Sue Sutton, Nelson Boyette, John Boyette and
Families, Trenton
In Honor of the Rev. James R. Lancaster
By Rose of Sharon Ladies Auxiliary, Robersonville
In Honor of Mrs. James R. Lancaster
By Rose of Sharon Ladies Auxiliary, Robersonville
In Honor of Mr. Arthur Kennedy
By Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Willard, Raleigh
In Honor of Mrs. Mamie M. Kennedy
By Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Willard, Raleigh
In Memory of Frances Edgerton
By Miss Louise Edgerton, Pikeville
In Memory of Charlie Hines
By Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence H. White, New Bern
In Memory of Mary Hines
By Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence H. White, New Bern
Gum Swamp Church, Greenville
In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Mayo
By Mrs. Viola H. Brown, Farmville
In Memory of Mrs. Arlene Flynn
By Mr. and Mrs. Floyd P. Harris, Greenville
Mr. and Mrs. Eugene James, Tarboro
Rose of Sharon Sunday School, Robersonville
Everett Chapel Church, Clayton
In Honor of the Rev. Clifton Styron
By Mr. and Mrs. Jimmie C. Godwin, Cedar Island
Aspen Grove Church, Walstonburg
In Honor of the Rev. Frank Grubbs
By Lanier's Chapel Woman's Auxiliary, Chinquapin
(Continued on Page 14)
$40,000
31,450
$ 8,550
Number
of Chairs Amount
1 $ 50
200
50
50
250
50
50
50
50
100
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
200
50
50
100
100
200
50
100
50
HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
9
Home Missions
CONTRIBUTIONS FOR
OCTOBER 1, 1983-
DECEMBER 31, 1983
ALBEMARLE
Corinth $
50.00
Free Union (Beaufort County)
12.84
Hickory Chapel
195.00
IvlOUllL ZjAOll
Mount Tabor
145.77
St. Paul
97.50
Shiloh
412.97
Sidney
160.85
Sound Side
128.50
Union Chapel
138.00
Albemarle District
Auxiliary Convention
295.10
Total $
1,839.03
CAPE FEAR
Bethel $
120.00
Catalpa
10.00
Haymount
766.41
Hopewell
187.89
Johnston Union
170.00
Lee's Chapel
25.00
Oak Grove
45.00
Palmer Memorial
189.83
Powhatan
569.01
tviveroiue
ion nn
Saint Mary's Grove
50.00
Shady Grove
38.75
Steven's Chapel
25.00
Tee's Chapel
20.00
West Clinton
20.00
Cape Fear Conference
125.60
Cape Fear Union Meeting
38.05
Cape Fear Youth Fellowship
100.00
Total $
2,600.54
CENTRAL
Aspen Grove $
122.50
Ayden
20.00
Bethany
102.25
Black Jack
51.00
Community
110.00
Daniels Chapel
405.00
Dilda's Grove
30.00
Edgewood
25.32
Elm Grove
5.00
Free Union
129.00
Friendship
87.78
Greenville, First
135.00
Grimsley
82.50
Harrell's Chapel
225.00
Hickory Grove
142.24
Howell Swamp
145.00
Hugo
10.00
Hull Road
621.55
King's Cross Roads
114.22
La Grange
30.00
Little Creek
220.00
Marlboro
81.25
Ormondsville
23.00
Otter's Creek
55.00
Peace
16.00
Piney Grove (Beaufort)
20.00
Piney Grove (Pitt County )
392.25
Reedy Branch
53.69
Rocky Mount, First
185.00
Rose Hill
331.00
Rose of Sharon
Saratoga
Spring Branch
Sweet Gum Grove
Tarboro, First
Williamston, First
Winterville
Central Conference
Missions Board
Second Union
Total
EASTERN
Antioch
Bridgeton
Cabin
Core Creek
Croatan
Davis
Deep Run
Dublin Grove
Edwards Chapel
Friendship
Gospel Outreach
Holly Springs
Jackson Heights
Kinston, First
Moseley's Creek
Mount Zion ( Onslow County )
New Haven
Northeast
Oak Grove
Oriental
Pearsall Chapel
Pilgrims Rest
Piney Grove
Russell's Creek
Sandy Plain
St. Mary's
Sound View
Trent
Wardens Grove
Westside
Whaley's Chapel
White Oak Grove
Wilmington, First
Wintergreen
Woodrow, First
Third District
Sunday School Convention
Third Union
Total
PEE DEE
Pee Dee Union Number 1
Beaverdam
Cypress Creek
Macedonia
Mission Valley
Oak Grove
White Oak
Total
PIEDMONT
Cathedral
High Point
Total
WESTERN
Barnes Hill
Branch Chapel
35
00
50
00
210
00
160
00
385
00
40
71
399
60
450.00
12.54
$ 5,713.40
100.00
131.00
10.00
10.00
20.00
77.45
40.00
10.00
10.00
18.00
10.00
S13.46
137.37
25.00
125.00
25.00
60.00
30.00
10.50
23.68
97.50
30.00
10.00
30.00
459.71
530.00
297.38
175.00
120.00
350.00
25.00
100.00
25.00
50.00
15.00
35.00
30.00
$ 3,566
05
$ 30
00
1,006
39
305
73
275
00
75
00
233
35
64
91
$ 1,990.38
20.00
110.14
130.14
$ 100.00
500.00
Calvary
Everett Chapel
Free Spirit
Free Union
Fremont
Holly Springs (Kenly)
Kenly
Little Rock
Marsh Swamp
Memorial Chapel
Micro
Milbournie
Mount Zion (Nash County)
Mount Zion (Wilson County)
Oak Grove (Wilson County)
People's Chapel
Piney Grove (Johnston County)
Pine Level
Pleasant Grove
Pleasant Hill
Rains Cross Roads
Rosebud
St. Mary's
Sherron Acres
Spring Hill
Stoney Creek
Stony Hill
Union Grove
Unity (Wilson County)
Wilson, First
Western Auxiliary Conference
Western District Youth
Total $
25.
471.211
54.0(1
25.91
200.01!
20.01
35.01
37.51
128.51
20.0*1
22.9!
175.01
50.01
20.01
103.9I1
60.0(1
81
195
530.01,
20.01
lO.Ol'
87.5|i
450.0(1
170.01)
400.01,
3.680.W
20.01'
250.(K!
20.0(
285.01
250.0(1
25.0(1
L.2!
5.01
8,522.65!
INDIVroUALS
Ard, Mr. and Mrs. Norman
Baker, Fred
Baker, Paul L.
Barnard, Charles
Boyette, EvaT.
Brewer, Mary B.
Bynum, Robert E.
Dail, Nellie R.
Futrelle, Foy
Gardner, Mrs. Carlton
Glisson, Frances
Godwin, Jerry
Gurganus, H. G.
Hansley, David W.
Harris, Dennis I.
Hurst, Esther
Johnson, Lou Esther
Kennedy, Rocky
Men's Hunting Club of Whitehurst 20.01
Morris, Mrs. E. C. 40.0C
Peedin, Doris lO.Ot
Starling, W. Howard 100.0C
Ward, Mary E. 10.«|
Ward, Robert 20.01
West, Estell M. 20.(K
Total $ 1,063.8(
20.0^
70.<X
25.01
50.(X>
25M
31.8<|
100.(H
20.0^'
60.01
lO.Ot
lO.Ot
lOO.Ot
lO.OtJ
12.0fl
150.0(1
20.01
20.0(1
110.01
OTHERS
Cash Offering Mission
Rally Daly ' s Chapel $
St. Cloud Mission
Paul Palmer Association
North Carolina State Auxiliary
Total
26.1!
160.01
250.01
163.6!
10
$ 599.71
TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS: $26,025.7
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1
Sunday School Lesson
»r February 12
THE SERVANT
OF THE LORD
isson Text: Isaiah 42:1-4;
19:5, 6; 53:4-6
emory Verse: Isaiah 42:1
When John the Baptist, in
ison, sent word to Jesus, ask-
l, "Art thou he that should
me, or do we look for
Other?" (Matthew 11:3), he
is voicing the hope of the
wish people for the Deliverer
10m God had promised to
nd to them. The common title
which this anticipated one
is known was the Messiah,
e one anointed of God for the
sk of deliverance,
rhe term Messiah, referring
this special agent of the
>rd, appears in only one
ssage of the Old Testament,
iniel 9:25, 26. Nevertheless,
ere are many prophecies
la ted to this person— so many
d so specific, in fact, that a
minant tenet of the Jewish
Lth was that the Messiah
mid come. It is not inap-
opriate to apply the term
essianic to all prophecies of
is nature.
What may be overlooked is
at these prophecies incor-
rate three distinct concepts
this chosen Deliverer. Let us
ke brief notice of them.
The majority of the proph-
ies speak of one whom the
>rd would raise up as a king to
: on the throne of David. "I
ive sworn unto David my ser-
int, Thy seed will I establish
r ever, and build up thy
rone to all generations"
•salm 89:3, 4). "Unto us a son
given: and the government
all be upon his shoulder ....
: the increase of his govern-
ent and peace there shall be
) end, upon the throne of
avid" (Isaiah 9:6, 7).
This one would be born in
sthlehem (Micah 5:2), and He
would reign in righteousness
(Jeremiah 23:5, 6). These
Scriptures, and others of like
tenor, were dear to the heart of
the Jews and they focused their
attention upon them. With rare
exception, their only concept of
the Messiah was that of the
Davidic ruler.
However, there are two other
aspects regarding the Messiah
that are presented in the Old
Testament. One of these is that
He would be God's spokesman.
God said to Moses, "I will raise
them up a Prophet from among
their brethren, like unto thee,
and will put my words in his
mouth ; and he shall speak unto
them all that I shall command
him" (Deuteronomy 18:18).
The New Testament clearly in-
dicates that this prediction was
fulfilled (see Acts 3:20-22).
In addition, the Messiah
would fulfill the office of priest.
Psalm 110:4 says, "Thou art a
priest for ever after the order of
Melchizedek." (See Hebrews
6:20; 7:17, 21.) It was the func-
tion of the priest to make an of-
fering for sin on behalf of the
people and then to appear
before God for them. This the
Messiah would do.
As king, prophet, and priest,
then, how great the Messiah
would be— a king greater than
David, a prophet greater than
Moses, a priest greater than
Melchizedek. Yet, as exalted as
He was, He came to earth as a
servant to do the Lord's will,
which included making an of-
fering for sin. Wonder of
wonders, He would not only
make an offering for sin; He
would also become the victim!
He who was with God from the
beginning would become the
Suffering Servant, giving
Himself even unto death for our
sakes.
We have indicated that the
prophecy relative to the Ser-
vant found its fulfillment in
Jesus Christ. However, the ex-
pression "servant of the Lord"
was more extensive in its
meaning until it came
specifically to indicate the
Messiah. As a person devoted
to God, faithful in the discharge
of a given task, numerous per-
sons in the Old Testament were
designated as His servants—
Moses, Joshua, etc. However,
in the study before us the term
has special significance.
In Isaiah 41:8, 9, we read,
"But thou, Israel, art my ser-
vant, Jacob whom I have
chosen, the seed of Abraham
my friend. Thou whom I have
taken from the ends of the
earth, and called thee from the
chief men thereof, and said
unto thee, Thou art my ser-
vant; I have chosen thee, and
not cast thee away." The
language is clear. Israel was
God's chosen servant; how-
ever, the reference is to Israel
as a unity, not as an aggregate
of persons. In similar fashion
we can say today that the
church is the servant of the
Lord. This is not to say that
every person making up the
church is faithfully seeking to
do God's work. It does mean
that the church bears a special
relationship to God, will con-
tinue to do so as His servant,
and will realize His promise
that "the gates of hell shall not
prevail against it" (Matthew
16:18). In like manner Israel, in
a special way, was God's ser-
vant, called by the Lord to a
particular task— to bring bless-
ing to all families of the earth
(Genesis 12:3).
However, Israel had become
a blind and deaf servant
(Isaiah 42:18, 19), a captive
people, "robbed and spoiled"
(42:22), themselves in need of
deliverance. In this context the
prophet spoke of a Servant who
was not the nation of Israel. He
was of Israel. It may be said
that He was representative
of Israel. Yet He was dis-
tinguished as an individual.
— Standard Lesson Commen-
tary
3E FREE WILL BAPTIST
11
Family Devotions
SUNDAY, 12
FEBRUARY
Scripture Reading— Numbers 1, 2
I JUST LOVES TO POINT HIM OUT
Some years ago two boats glided past each
other on the Mississippi. An aged Black man was
conversing with a white friend on deck of one of
the boats when suddenly he said with zest,
"Look! Yonder's the captain!" Asked the white
friend, "Why are you so enthusiastic while you
call my attention to the captain?" The grateful
Black replied, "Well, sir, years ago, as we were
going along like this, I fell overboard. I couldn't
swim and I began to sink, but the captain
rescued me. Since that day, I just loves to point
him out! "
When we were still lost in sin, the waves of
sin all but overwhelmed us. But the Captain of
our salvation, the Lord Jesus, rescued us. Should
we not joyously "point Him out" to others?
It is wonderful to be a believer in the Lord
Jesus Christ! I am exceedingly thankful that
God has graciously led me to saving faith in
Christ. In the Bible, God has promised eternal
life to anyone who believes in His only-begotten
Son.
MONDAY, 1 o
FEBRUARY 16
Scripture Reading— Numbers 3, 4
NZAMBE, YESU KRISTU, MOLINO BIPURU
At Adi, in the former Belgian Congo, lives a
great and faithful Christian. He is deaf and
dumb. He has found an effective way to witness
for his Lord, however. Whenever he meets
anyone on a path, he stops and writes these
words in the dust: "Nzambe, Yesu Kristu,
Molino Bipuru," — "God, Jesus Christ, Holy
Spirit." Then he begins to preach by going
through a series of motions. He pantomimes the
Crucifixion and the Resurrection. By motions, he
shows two classes of people— those who receive
the Saviour, and those who reject Him and are
cast into outer darkness. When he pantomimes
those who receive the Saviour, his face lights up
with radiant smiles, and he points to himself, in-
dicating that he has received Jesus into his
heart. He goes through all the motions of
washing himself to show that he has been
cleansed by the blood of Christ. And he always
has a smile.
I am but one,
But I am one.
I cannot do everything,
But I can do something.
12
What I can do
I ought to do.
And what I ought to do,
With God's help,
I will do.
TUESDAY, 14
FEBRUARY
Scripture Reading— Numbers 5, 6
THE WITNESSING PLUMBER
Howard E. Butt, Jr., a millionaire grocer
said, "God doesn't issue a special call to pastor
and leave everyone else uncalled. Every Chris
tian should think of himself as having a divin
call for making Christian witnessing a full-tim,
career."
L. C. Hester of Whitehours, Texas, is i
plumber. He packs a New Testament with hi
tools. He is known as "the witnessing plumber.'
A minister said of him: "That witnessing
plumber has won hundreds to Christ since h<
became a Christian. Many will listen to a 'worhi
ingman' who will not listen to a preacher, yoill
know."
The work is solemn — do not trifle. The task f
difficult — do not relax. The opportunity i{
brief — do not delay. The path is narrow — do no]
wander. The prize is glorious — do not faint.
WEDNESDAY, 1 _
FEBRUARY 10
Scripture Reading— Numbers 7
A QUEEN TESTIFIES
We are commissioned to be witnesses to th<,
truth of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, i
witness is one who speaks of that which he know!
about first hand. We need to have a knowledge o
our faith that we can be bold in our witness an*
adventurous in our living. We know that we shall
probably be in a minority wherever we are. Wrf
know we shall have to face insecurity, opposiij
tion, and perhaps danger, for the confession oij
our faith. But the Christian church has alway|
prospered in adversity, and we must certainlji
not be afraid. I think it is comforting t<|
remember those wonderful marching ordersl
given by Joshua, "Be strong and of a goo«j
courage," and then to think of the other men and
women in times past who, through the grace o
God, were enabled to go forward into ai
unknown future with confidence and wit!
resolves.
Oh, do not pray for easy lives. Pray to bt
strong men and women. Do not pray for task
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'
qual to your powers. Pray for power equal to
our tasks. Then the doing of your work will be
o miracle; but you shall be a miracle. Every
ay you shall wonder at yourself, at the richness
flife which has come to you by the grace of God.
THURSDAY, lfi
FEBRUARY AD
aripture Reading— Numbers 8, 9
WRECKERS AND BUILDERS
watched them tearing a building down—
gang of men in a big town,
fith a heave ho and a lusty yell
hey swung a beam and the side wall fell,
asked the foreman, "Are these men skilled?
he kind you would hire if you wanted to build?"
e laughed and said, "Why, no indeed,
ust labor, common labor, is all I need,
hey can easily wreck in a day or two
fliat builders have taken years to do."
asked myself as I went my way
fliich of these roles have I played today?
s a builder who works with care
[easuring life by ruling square?
tiaping my deeds by the vertical plane,
r . . . am I the wrecker who lost the town
eset with the labor of tearing down?
Everyone can do something to make the
orld better — he can at least improve himself.
FRIDAY, 17
FEBRUARY
xipture Reading— Numbers 10, 11
WORKED BY CLOCK WITHOUT HANDS
"Work," declared Thomas A. Edison, "is
teasured not by hours, but by what is ac-
jmplished." Edison always kept a clock
ithout hands on his desk. He believed that
swarding toil called for 2 percent inspiration
id 98 percent perspiration. Those who have
rought most mightily for God and man have
sually been short sleepers. Sir Isaac Newton
ildom went to bed before 2 a.m. David Liv-
tgstone worked in a factory from 6 a.m. until 8
m. Then he went to night school for two hours
nd studied far into the night until his mother
>ok his books from him. "Praying Hyde" was
nown as "the man who never slept!"
Heights by great men won and kept
Were not attained by sudden flight,
But they, while their companions slept,
Were toiling upward in the night.
I must work the works of him that sent me,
ihile it is day: the night cometh, when no man
m work (John 9:4).
SATURDAY, jo
FEBRUARY
Scripture Reading— Numbers 12, 13
AN UNFAILING REMEDY
A great physician gave the following
prescription for work: "If your health is
threatened, work. If disappointments come,
work. If you inherit riches, continue to work. If
your faith falters and you become a bundle of
nerves, work. If your dreams are shattered, and
the star of hope begins to darken on your horizon,
work. If sorrow overwhelms you, or friends
prove untrue and desert you, work. If you are
joyous, keep right on working. Idleness brings
doubt and fear. No matter what ails you, work.
Work as if your life were in peril, for it is! "
This world is but a vestibule of an immortal
life, and every chord of our life touches some
other chord which will vibrate in eternity. Stern
taskmaster's opportunity is bald behind and
must be seized by the forelock. This world is full
of tragic might-have-beens. We cannot stick the
share into the ground when we should be
wielding the sickle. No remorse, no regret, no
self-accusation can avail one jot when the time
for sowing is past and unless our lives are filled
each moment with the tasks apportioned to us we
will, throughout eternity, regret lost oppor-
tunities .'
Portions selected from Knight's Treasury of Illustra-
tions, Walter B. Knight.
NEW CREATIONS SPRING
SCHEDULE SET
The members of the New Creations are as follows:
Michelle Pownall, Manteo; Julie Morris, Manteo; Amelia
Massengill, Four Oaks; Alicia Heath, Goldsboro. Back row
Mark Watson, Pine town; Jeffery Harrison, Walstonburg;
Rusty Smith, Deep Run; Dwayne Jones, Roper; Chris
Joyner, Kenly. Sherry Mitchell is the accompanist.
The New Creations group has set its spring schedule. The
group will present programs of gospel music and personal
testimony in Free Will Baptist Churches around eastern
North Carolina.
The New Creations is a volunteer group of students who
wish to serve God through song. To participate in the group is
to affirm the reality of God as experienced in Jesus Christ.
The New Creations share His love and message of redeeming
grace which is extended to all people.
The spring schedule includes the following churches.
Date
Time
Place
February 12
11:00 a.m.
Elm Grove Church, Pitt County
6:00 p.m.
Oak Grove Church, Wilson County
February 26
11:00 a.m.
Pleasant Grove Church, Wayne County
7:00 p.m.
Reelsboro Christian, Pamlico County
March 4
11:00 a.m.
Friendship Church, Johnston County
7:00 p.m.
May's Chapel Church, Wayne County
March 18
11:00 a.m.
Edgewood Church, Edgecombe County
7:00 p.m.
Kenly Church, Johnston County
April 8
11:00 a.m.
Heritage Church, Mecklenburg County
7:00 p.m.
Trinity Church, Beaufort County
April 15
7:00 p.m.
La Grange Church, Lenoir County
HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
13
CHILDREN'S HOME
(Continued from Page 7)
acknowledgement (see sample below). Of course, no amount will
be stated on the card.
You may also send a memorial gift and we will notify the party
you so indicate, if desired. As with the honorary gift, all you have to
do is to send your gift earmarked as a memorial gift, the name of
the person in whose memory you are making the contribution, and
the name and address of anyone you might want to receive a card
of acknowledgement that the gift has been made (see sample
below).
We ore pleased to Inform you that
wt have received a gift to Che
Fret Will Baptise Children a Home
In honor of
Thin gift waj mad* by
FREE WILL BAPTIST CHILDREN'S HOME, INC
P. 0. Box 249
Mlddltfx. North Carolina 27357
We arc pleased lo inform iou that
ire lim e received a gr/l to the
Free W'iH Baptist Children-; Home
In Memory- of
Tins Memorial hus made by
We (Oin your friends in this expression
of sympathy. Be assured nl our promt
tot the dais ahead.
Free Will Baptist Children -; Home
Middlesex, North Carolina
Your honorary and memorial gifts will be used to support the
ministry of Christian child care to children who have had the
misfortune of having to be separated from their natural family.
Your gift will enable the Children's Home to minister to their
physical, emotional, and educational needs, while at the same time
offer to them an opportunity to experience a Christian home and,
hopefully, come to know and accept Christ as their personal Lord
and Saviour. The salvation of one child can reach far into the future
to affect many other individuals, and that is one of the main goals of
our Home— to minister in His Name and spread the gospel.
Think about it! Perhaps there is someone special you would
like to honor in this special way.
MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE
(Continued from Page 9)
In Memory of Bertha S. Smith 1
By Lanier's Chapel Woman's Auxiliary, Chinquapin
In Honor of Mrs. Frank Grubbs
In Memory of Hazel L. Williams 1
By Mr. and Mrs. Lemmie Williams, Chinquapin
Mrs. Cynthia W. Kennedy, Chinquapin 1
In Honor of Miss Velma Morris 1
By Mr. and Mrs. David Piner, Vanceboro; and
the Rev. and Mrs. John Williams, Black Mountain
In Honor of Mrs. Berta Edwards 1
By Mr. L. Marvin Edwards, Wilson
In Honor of Lloyd and Inez Edwards 1
By Berta and Marvin Edwards, Wilson
In Honor of Mrs. Maggie Allen 1
By The Prayer Meeters of Tee's Chapel Church,
Smithfield
Pleasant Grove Auxiliary, Pikeville 1
In Honor of Mrs. Zelma G. Pope 1
By Mr. and Mrs. Bobby T. Pope, Kenly
In Memory of Mr. Henry T. Pope 1
By Mr. and Mrs. Bobby T. Pope, Kenly
In Memory of Mr. Hardy Talton
In Honor of Mrs. Mildred Talton 9
By The Members of Pleasant Grove Church, Pike-
ville
In Honor of Mrs. Sunie A. Hansley 1 50
By the Rev. and Mrs. O. B. Everett Sr., Sneads Ferry _1_ 50
Totals (January 24-30 ) 67 $3,350
(Two chairs reported previously by Angola Free Will Baptist Church are in honor of
the Rev. and Mrs. O. B. Everett Sr. )
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
450
FILM
(Continued from Page 9)
The life story of Dietricl
Bonhoeffer is one of the grea
epics of courage and convictioi
in the twentieth century,
young pastor when Hitler cam*
to power, Bonhoeffer was
among the first of his coun
try men to recognize the threa
posed by Nazism to the basic
human values of westerr
civilization.
A leader in the Confessing!
Church, that group of pastors
which actively opposed th«
Nazification of the Germar
Lutheran Church, Bonhoeffeij
also played an active role in the
German resistance movement.
He was arrested by tht
Gestapo in 1943 and spent two
years in prison and concentra
tion camp. He was hanged 1
the Flossenburg Camp on Apr!
9, 1945, at the age of 39.
CHRISTIAN NURTURER
(Continued from Page 5)
each teacher. To be sure exter
nal factors play a significan
role. However, the desire to b<
motivated and the will to ac
are internal. So the real ques
tion is not, "How can I motivatt
teachers?" but, "How can I of
fer incentives and help creat<
an environment in which, undei
the Holy Spirit's guidance
teachers will motivat*
themselves?"
In these series of articles w<
will explore how we can nur
ture teachers and help create {
motivational climate througl
the example we set as leaders
through equipping ourselves
for the educational ministry
through how we go about get
ting teachers, through teachei
training, through providing
adequate resources, througl
continual support and supervi
sion, through encouraging
periods of rest, througl
recognition and appreciation
and through promotion an(
prayer.
14
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
Foreign Missions
February 8, 1984
Dear Friend,
In connection with the World Missions Conference and Rally on March 9, 1984,
the Board of Foreign Missions is planning a banquet with Dr. William Bennett and
the van der Plas Family. The van der Plases, will be leaving for the Philippines
the following week. The banquet will be served by Mount Olive College on the
downtown campus. The cost per person will be $4.50. You can pay for the meal at
that time. This banquet is open to everyone.
We need to know in advance how many plan to attend the banquet. If you plan
to attend, please complete the form below, clip, and return it to my office by
Thursday, March 1, or you may call 746-4963 to let us know that you plan to attend.
We hope that you will be with us for this farewell meal with the van der
Plases. I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely in Christ,
Harold Jones
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER!
March 9
World Missions Conference and Rally
Daytime sessions on downtown campus of Mount Olive \
College.
World Missions Rally— 7:30 P.M. College Hall
March 25
Telethon Sunday (Call between 1:30-5:30 P.M., Phone
746-4963)
Day of Prayer for World Missions
d"l BOARD OF
FOREIGN
MISSIONS
REPLY FORM
BANQUET: MARCH 9, 1984, 5:30-7:00 P.M.
N.C. STATE CONVENTION OF
ORIGINAL. FREE WILL BAPTISTS
Harold Jones, Director-Treasurer
P.O. Box 38 PART OF THE WORLD MISSIONS CONFERENCE
Ayden, NG 28513-0038
Phone (919) 746-4963
AND RALLY
I will attend the banquet on the downtown campus of Mount Olive College.
There will be persons in my party.
?HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
Signed
15
If
Travel to magical kingdoms, move through time, visit other coun-
tries, sail the seven seas, read about the lives of famous people,
become more learned on doctrinal matters ... all in your own
backyard or living room!
Books packed with adventure, excitement, and inspiration can be
found in abundance at:
The Free Will Baptist Press Foundation and its branch bookstores —
New Bern, Smithfield, Wilson, Kinston, and White ville
16
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1
^Ik-^ jL. * ■
Free Will
Baptist
The Free Will Baptist
CONTENTS
Editorial 2
Feature 3
Weekly Features
News and Notes 6
Children's Home 7
Mount Olive College 8
Foreign Missions 10
Woman's Auxiliary 11
Family Devotions 12
Sunday School Lesson 14
Free Will Baptists Honored 4
The Christian Nurturer ll
Volume 99 Number 7
February 15. 1984
Janie Jones Sowers
Editor
Edited and published forty-eight times a year by
the Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.. 811
North Lee Street, Ayden. North Carolina 28513-0158.
Second-class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina
(USPS 209-440).
All materials to be placed in any issue must be in
the hands of the editor seven days prior to the
publication date of that issue.
The purpose of this paper is to promote the cause of
Christ among Original Free Will Baptists, and we
reserve the right to refuse any article or news that is
inconsistent with our purpose, programs, or policies,
and that does not reflect a spirit of harmony and
cooperation with the Free Will Baptist Press Foun-
dation and the North Carolina State Convention of
Original Free Will Baptists.
The contents herein do not necessarily reflect the
beliefs or policies of the editor or of The Free Will
Baptist. The responsibility for each article is given
the person whose name appears under the title or to
the person submitting said article.
Items for publication should be addressed to the
Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O Box 158, Ayden,
North Carolina 28513-0158.
All subscriptions are payable in advance: one
year. $8.84; two years, $16.12; four years, $31.20 (in-
cluding sales tax for North Carolina residents);
residents of other states, $8.50. $15.50 and $30 respec-
tively (plus sales tax where it applies).
Every-Family Plan: A 25 percent discount given
when local churches send the "Baptist" to the home
of every member; names and addresses to be pro-
vided by churches. Churches are billed quarterly.
Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists" are
sent to one individual who in turn distributes these. A
50 percent discount is offered under this plan.
Bookstore Hours: Ayden, Smithfield, and
Whiteville, 9 a.m.— 5 p.m.. Monday —Saturday
New Bern, Wilson, and Kinston, 9:30 a.m.— 5 p.m.,
Monday— Saturday.
Board of Directors
Dewey Boling, President; C. Felton Godwin, Vice
President; Ruth Taylor, Secretary; Adrian Grubbs,
Assistant Secretary; Robert May; Eddie Edwards,
Marice DeBruhl; James Billy Hardee; De Wayne
Eakes; David W Hansley, Chairman Emeritus.
Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.: Cliff
Gray, Executive Director; Bobby Pennington.
Financial Director; Janie Jones Sowers, Editor of
Literature.
2
Getting to the Heart of the Matter
While home on furlough a missionary was invited to speak
to a group of ministers and their wives. This highly intelligent
young woman had personality plus and everyone anxiouslj
awaited hearing her address. When she approached the
podium that day they all settled back, expecting to hear her;
speak of her missionary experiences. Having been at the con-
vention since its beginning, she felt something more was
needed: she sensed the presence of loneliness, inadequacy,
and failure of not being able to do all expected of them.
Instead of referring to her work, the missionary talked tc:
those in attendance "heart-to-heart." Her message was one oJi
hope and gratefulness for both their love and support. Then,
very empathetically, she said:
So many of our Christian church members need a "monk"
to do their repentance for them. You are more spiritual if i
you drive an old car, don't wear expensive clothes, live in a
small house, don't show emotion when you want to belt
somebody (and you might have the right to) but if you do I
lose your temper or say anything that borders on talking
about someone, it's much worse than if one of your con- j
gregation does it. Both because they believe it's a no-no
for you and because you feel you shouldn't.
The missionary closed her remarks by reminding those iiij
her audience that the greatest opportunity for evange-i
lism— the largest mission field— could possibly be our own!
country. She prayed that those ministers would be blessed)
with growing Christians, that they wouldn't have to spend!
their valuable time dealing with pettiness but with the larger
work of true pastoring— "enabling others to minister."
After pondering this, I suggest that we consider the follow-i
ing checklist of things that could make us all more under-i
standing, more unified, and more Christlike.
For example—
Come to grasp the reality that ministers are human. Accept their
humanness.
Whenever a minister makes a mistake or "commits" an oversight, j
be conciliatory and understanding. Kindly, let him know— not everyone
else. You will feel better and he will appreciate you talking with him in-
stead of complaining to others. Love and respect will develop and you will i
not be adding to his mountain-of-things-l-didn't-get-done guilt complex. I
Talk with your minister about things that concern you, but do so
with the right spirit— he can tell when you are venting hostility and not be-
ing constructive.
If there is something about your minister you do not like, it could be
the result of your not really knowing him. Treat him with the same respect
you desire. Remember that there are very few people you like totally. If
you make allowances for others, and people make them for you, why
should we do less for clergymen?
If your minister passes you by without noticing or he seems quite
preoccupied, do not be offended. His mind is probably taxed to the limit
with some task or crisis. Stop what you are doing and whisper a prayer for
him.
(Continued on Page 15)
THE FREE WILL BAPTK
THINGS THAT
SHORT-CIRCUIT MINISTRY
by C. Neil Strait
(Used by permission of Pulpit Digest, P.O. Box 5199, Jackson, Mississippi 39216)
Some time ago a young pastor asked me,
lat are some of the things you observed that
rt-circuit ministry?" My answer to him, and
reflection since his question, precipitated a
>f thinking. There are, at least, twelve things
; could short-circuit effective ministry.
(1) Poor credibility. Probably the leading
, if you are to begin with a foundation. If one's
ic honesty is suspect, whatever other gifts a
istry has are blunted.
(2) Lack of spiritual depth. It is hard to
ntain ministerial effectiveness and integrity
lout spiritual depth. If one does not know God
I, and does not maintain his devotional com-
ments, it will be hard to care for and share
l others.
(3) Negative attitude. People who are
ting need good news, some positive
irances, sentences of hope, to put them back
he road. A negative attitude breeds despair
places a barrier between the man and those
>m he would serve.
(4) Appearance . Good grooming,
.nliness, neatness are not impossible for the
rer minister. They are qualities that enhance
ctiveness and ministry.
(5) Poor financial management. If one
3 not handle his personal finances well, he in-
s suspicion among those for whom he labors,
trust and suspicion are too often traced to the
of poor financial integrity.
(6) A poor marriage. It is hard to estimate
damage to a minister when he has a poor
Tiage. One should give proper attention to
ie whom God has placed nearest him. If a
ister cannot build a good marriage, its
itration and fact will be a blight to ministry.
(7) Indifference. An attitude of indif-
nce will blunt any career, and, certainly it
3 damage to ministry. Where one gives the
a of indifference to needs, causes, concerns,
is closing the door to helpful and fulfilling
istry.
S FREE WILL BAPTIST
(8) Lack of preparation, reading, study.
This cannot be underestimated. While one may
have many gifts, physical and mental en-
dowments, if he is not a serious student it will
negate all his talents. Our contemporary world
makes it very necessary that the man of God
prepare well, read fully and study, so he can ade-
quately equip those under his care.
(9) Lack of administrative, organizational,
leadership skills. While many are not, initially,
endowed with these gifts, they can be learned.
Like so many other areas, many systems may be
going well, but if there is failure at the point of
administrative expertise, it hinders all that goes
before.
(10) Sense of superiority, or aloofness. Peo-
ple want to be touched by their minister and feel
his warmth and friendship. Aloofness closes the
door to the heart and displays a "keep away"
sign. Aloofness keeps the minister from entering
the arena of life with people, hence, diminishing
effectiveness.
(11) Laziness and mediocrity. Not much
needs to be said about laziness— it will short-
circuit whatever it touches. Mediocrity, as I see
it, is the biggest disease of the contemporary
pastor. Doing "just enough" will not produce
changed lives and effective ministry. The man
who settles for the easy way out will not build a
great ministry for God.
(12) Poor communication. The man who
cannot communicate his thoughts and intents
will have trouble in the ministry. One must ever
be sharpening his skills in communication.
Listening is important, too. The minister who
does not listen, will, soon, not be listened to.
Twelve areas, at least, that have potential to
destroy and blunt ministry. They give each of us
reason to learn, to observe, evaluate, and to
work on areas where we are weak. May a better
ministry be yours in the days ahead!
3
Free Will Baptists Honoredl
CONGREGATION LOVES DE
Dr. Burkette Raper, Kevin Eakes, Carolyn Eakes, De Wayne Eakes, and Mrs.
Pearl Blalock.
The morning message at Lit-
tle Rock Free Will Baptist
Church in Lucama came across
loud and clear on Sunday,
January 29. But, it wasn't
pastor De Wayne Eakes,
preaching.
The message came from the
congregation and it was a re-
sounding, "We love you, Pastor
Eakes."
The message came at a
special morning worship ser-
vice to honor Mr. Eakes and his
family for their 15 years at the
church.
The printed program said the
Sunday service was to be a
youth service. And, it was up
until the youth sermon was sup-
posed to be delivered by
Deacon Ricky Watson.
When Mr. Watson came to
the podium, he immediately
turned the program over to Kit-
ty Barnes. Pastor Eakes, who
was seated in the choir, was
taken completely by surprise.
He was called forward.
Mrs. Barnes called on Mrs.
Pearl Blalock to present Mr.
Eakes, his wife, Carolyn, and
son, Kevin, with rosebuds.
"This rosebud expresses a
deep and abiding love to you
from this congregation," said
Mrs. Blalock.
In addition to the rosebuds,
the church's Circle One had
provided 15 red roses— one for
each year at the church— in the
sanctuary for the Eakes fami-
ly. "We know how much you
love roses," added Mrs.
Blalock.
Mrs. Barnes gave a sketch of
Pastor Eakes' life from his
birth in 1947 to his graduation
from Southeastern Baptist
Theological Seminary in Wake
Forest.
Among his accomplishments
were graduation from Mount
Olive College and Atlantic
Christian College. He is presi-
dent of the Wilson County
Ministerial Association. He is
chairman of the advisory coun-
cil for the religion department
at Mount Olive College and is
chairman of the College's
church relations committee.
"No one has gone to him with
a question or a problem that he
didn't have time for," said Mrs.
Barnes. "De, we love you and
thank you for everything you
have done."
The deacons, Sunday school
classes and Layman's League
all presented gifts to Mr.
Eakes.
The deacons presented him
with a $35 gift certificate from
the Wilson Bible and Bookstojj
On making the presentatio
Wayne Thompson said, "N
body knows what he means
us. He is a friend and a minist
to all of us."
Frankie Beamon, repr
senting the Fellowship Clas
presented Mr. Eakes with I
wall clock. Eloise Newsorj
president of Circle Three, sa
$25 had been donated in hJ
name to the church chimj
fund. Everett Currie also to
the pastor another $25 had bei
presented to the chimes fun
"You mean so much to me ai
to all of us," said Mr. Currij
"We love you."
Dennis Ford, from ti
Layman's League, present*
Pastor Eakes with a plaque ari
expressed their appreciation.;
Dr. Burkette Raper, pres
dent of Mount Olive Colleg
said Pastor Eakes is part of
"noble and great line <i
pastors" who have served Ldi
tie Rock Church.
He told the congregation the
were fortunate to have such]
man. "I think they are trying |
tell you that there's plenty i|
room for more roses in thjti
vase," said Dr. Raper to Mi
Eakes.
Fighting back tears througl
out the service, Pastor Eake
thanked the congregatiofi
which included his mothef
grandfather and aunts ar!
uncles.
"This day is a surprise arn
will be remembered as one <
the most memorable in my life
I love being your pastor," li
added. "And I hope I'll be her
another 15 years."
(Reprint of Kenly Newi
MRS. ELLEN BASS
RECEIVES LIFE
MEMBERSHIP AWARD
Homecoming Day, October!
1983 : ' 'This is the day which th
LORD hath made; we will n
joice and be glad in it" (Psali
118:24). It is with gres
4
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS
isure we pause to honor one
ur ladies who is a member
le Annie McPhail Auxiliary.
k gracious woman retaineth
our . . ." (Proverbs 11:16).
tie auxiliary has an award,
nsored by the State
nan's Auxiliary, for honor-
women who have con-
uted outstanding service. It
illed the "Life Membership
ird."
le one whom we are honor-
today is a very special per-
not only to me but to all
know her, and to many
pie with whom she has come
:ontact through the years,
is always ready and willing
0 what she can for her God,
church and her fellowman.
has exemplified these
lities by doing what she
d in whatever capacity she
ailed on to do. She always
her best regardless of what
as. To know her is to love
3 we honor this dear lady I
t to quote Proverbs 31:10;
10 can find a virtuous
lan? for her price is far
»re rubies."
xr honoree is Mrs. Ellen
s.
Mrs. Ellen," as she is
yn to most of us, accepted
ist and joined Oak Grove
rch at the age of 17 and has
ained a member for 63
rs. During this time she
fht the Beginners' class
;ral years. She has been a
jut and faithful auxiliary
nber for many years and
always served well in
tever capacity she was
3d on to serve. For 35 years
honoree has served as
etary and treasurer of Oak
ve Sunday School and is
serving.
ith all her activities and her
} commitment to her family
neighbors, she is always
ly to share her many fruits
vegetables, never too busy
asit the shut-ins or carry
1 where it is needed.
rs. Ellen truly lives the
ds of Jesus who said, "In-
asmuch as ye have done it unto
one of the least of these my
brethren, ye have done it unto
me" (Matthew 25:40).
She is a devoted and loving
wife, mother of two girls and
three boys, two of whom have
gone to be with the Lord. Mrs.
Ellen is a grandmother and a
great-grandmother.
Mrs. Ellen, we as members
of the Annie McPhail Auxiliary
would like to take this oppor-
tunity to say "thank you" for
the services, love and
understanding you have given
us through the years. You have
been a great inspiration to all of
us.
We feel, as Proverbs 31:30
tells us, that you are "a woman
that feareth the Lord," and
should be praised.
Mrs. Ellen, we love and ap-
preciate you and we are happy
to honor you as our "Auxiliary
Woman of the Year."
It is an honor and great
privilege for me on behalf of the
Annie McPhail Auxiliary to
present you this Life Member-
ship Pin and Certificate.
May God continue to bless
and sustain you, so you can
serve Him faithfully in the
future as you have in the past is
our prayer.
Mr. Leo (Mrs. Ellen's hus-
band) was then asked to come
forward and join Mrs. Ellen.
For several years the church
has been honoring someone
with a bouquet of flowers at
homecoming. Today the church
is honoring a couple who have
committed their lives to God
and Oak Grove Church for a
total of 122 years.
Mrs. Ellen accepted Christ
and joined Oak Grove Church
63 years ago; Mr. Leo moved
his membership 59 years ago.
In committing himself to God,
His church and his fellowman,
he has lived a very active and
productive life. They cele-
brated their 61st anniversary
on December 10.
Mr. Leo served as Sunday
school superintendent and as a
teacher for several years.
This past September was 42
years ago he was ordained as a
deacon of Oak Grove Church.
As a man of God he has been
about His Father's business.
When the church doors are
open Mr. Leo and Mrs. Ellen
are always here unless it's due
to illness. They have attended
many Cape Fear Union
Meetings, auxiliary conven-
tions and conferences. Mr. Leo
has served on various commit-
tees. Wherever these two are
needed they are always willing
to do what they can.
It is with love and apprecia-
tion I pin these flowers on you,
Mrs. Ellen.
Mr. Leo, it too is with love
and appreciation I pin this
flower on you for your many
years of service to our church.
Ruth R. Daughtry
President of Annie McPhail Auxiliary
PIANO GIVEN
FOR COLLEGE HALL
Clarence G. Wilson of Mount
Olive has given a new piano for
College Hall. The gift is in
memory of his wife, Hilda Byrd
Wilson (1912-1983).
Mr. Wilson attended the
grand opening of College Hall
on January 7. Upon learning
that the piano in use that day
was on loan by courtesy of
Frederick's of Goldsboro, he
called the College and offered
to give the piano as a memorial
to his wife.
Mrs. Wilson was a member of
the First Methodist Church of
Mount Olive and sang in the
church choir as long as her
health permitted. She is
(Continued on Page 15)
1 FREE WILL BAPTIST
5
News SI Notes
Oak Grove Women
Honor Senior Citizens
On Saturday night, January
28, at Oak Grove Church, Route
3, Elm City, the Woman's Aux-
iliary honored its senior
citizens by having a supper for
them. There were 32 who at-
tended. After the supper, enter-
tainment was enjoyed by all.
Thanks go to Geraldine Gard-
ner and all the ladies who took
part.
State League
Convention to Meet
"Praise ye the LORD"
(Psalm 150:1) is the theme of
the program of the North Caro-
lina State Convention of Free
Will Baptist Leagues, which
will convene on Saturday,
March 10, 1984, at Beaverdam
Church, Route 1, Chadbourn.
Registration will begin at 9:30
a.m. and the convention at 10
a.m.
We look forward to the
musical program, "Kids
Praise," that will be given by
the Goldsboro Leagues. A brief
afternoon session will be held
this year, and a singspiration is
part of the plan for this session.
As usual, the Junior and In-
termediate Sword Drills will be
held with winners receiving an
expense-paid or one-half
expense-paid trip to Cragmont
this summer. Each church may
enter one contestant in the
Junior drill (ages 9-11) and one
contestant in the Intermediate
drill (ages 12-15). Copies of the
study materials may be ob-
tained from Mrs. Margaret
Ard, Route 1, Box 155, Pink
Hill, North Carolina 28572. The
1985 study materials are now
available.
Leagues are requested to
send a generous contribution
for the state project— Crag-
mont debt retirement on main
building— at least $75 if possi-
ble. Any amount, however, will
be greatly appreciated.
Report blanks have been
mailed to either the general
secretary or the general direc-
tor of the local Leagues. Any
League that has not received a
report blank should write for
one from Miss Leah McGlohon,
P.O. Box 2, Winterville, North
Carolina 28590. Please note that
the registration fee is $15.
Central Conference
Layman's League to Meet
The Central Conference
Layman's League Convention
will be held at King's Cross
Roads Church near Farmville,
on March 5, 1984. There will be
a barbecue supper before the
meeting. The time of the supper
will be 7 p.m. until 8 p.m.
The convention will start at 8
p.m. It is hoped that we will
have as many laymen present
as possible.
Shiloh Church to
Host Singspiration
Shiloh Church, Pinetown, will
host a singspiration featuring
"Danny and the Ambassadors"
from New Bern, on Saturday,
February 18. The time of the
services is 7 p.m. Everyone is
invited to attend. The pastor of
the church is the Rev. Bobby
Brown.
Revival at Sandy Plain Church
Revival services will be held
February 20-24, at Sandy Plain
Church, near Pink Hill. The
time of the services is 7:30 p.m.
The prayer rooms open at 7:10
p.m. There will be special sing-
ing each evening. The Rev.
Ransom McAbee is pastor of
the church. The Rev. Ronnie
Parker, pastor of Folkstone
Church, will be the evangelist.
Everyone is welcomed to at-
tend these services.
News from Shiloh Church
Last year Shiloh Church
called the Rev. Bobby Brown
and his wife, Betsy, to pastor
the church. Since then the
church has begun to grow. Mr.
Brown says, "The glory goes to
the Lord because the member-
ship has pulled together and we
are all working in His love."
Here are some of the blessing^
the Lord has given to the peo
pie: twenty-two member?
added to the Sunday school, am
eleven members to the churcl
roll. The church services hav«
increased 50%. The church pui
chased a tape duplicatin
machine to help broaden th
church tape ministry. The tap
ministry has grown from on
family to twenty-five. The tap
ministers are Hugh Harris?
Raymond Lagcher, and Danni
Foreman.
Under the direction of JoAn
Windley the Bible school was
great success.
"Pennies for Missions" wa
formed and has been very su<
cessful. The once-a-month o:,
fering has averaged $90. Thi
has not affected the weekly o:j
fering which has increased bj
40%.
The AFC led by Marlen
Jackson was very blessed thi|
past year: They were Bibl
Bowl Conference champs
short story, 1st place; crafty
1st place. State Conference: B{
ble Bowl, 2nd place; shoi
story, 2nd place; crafts, 211,
place. General Conference: Bl
ble Bowl, 2nd place.
This year there will be AFI
and YFA teams. The AFC an
YFA raised close to $500 in di
ferent and continued projects ij
purchase a sound system to pi
in the church. The League hel
its first meeting, January :
1984. The Lord has blessed th
church League. The average a1
tendance is 50. The Leagu1
which started out broke noi
has a bank account of $500 as <j
February.
The people of Shiloh e:
ceeded the Mount Olive dinnt
goal. They take the theme ft
this year very seriously "Somi
thing to Look for in 84."
Mr. Brown preaches foi
times a week and teaches th
adult league class. Mr. Brown
spiritual preaching an
teaching and the teaching of h
wife, Betsy, have been ft
6
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS
Children's Home
"DENTAL HYGIENE WORKSHOP"
On February 1, 1984, Dr. Scott Vander Venn, dentist; Jean
Joyner, and Cathy Sykes (dental hygienists) presented a workshop
on "Dental Care" for our younger children on campus. A filmstrip
was shown demonstrating the proper methods for tooth care. We
discussed the types of food that prevent tooth decay and the effects
of sugar upon teeth.
The children practiced the correct procedures for brushing,
and flossing. They were presented toothbrushes and dental floss.
We appreciate the interests of professionals such as Dr. Vander
Venn and assistants! Dr. Vander Venn works out of Twin County
Rural Health Clinic in Hollister, North Carolina.
Durce of great encouragement
> all— young and old alike. He
! also a member of the con-
;rence missions board and is
orking on his doctorate
egree in theology.
[ew Jerusalem Way Singers to
»e at Free Spirit Church
Free Spirit Church would like
) announce that on February
6, at 7 p.m., the New
erusalem Way Singers of Ken-
j will be in a song service to
elp the members to begin their
pring revival.
The members and their
astor, the Rev. Wayne
Whitley, pray that this service
ill be so successful that
yeryone will come back and
articipate in the revival ser-
ices which will begin just one
eek later on March 5 and will
mtinue through March 9. The
me of the services is 7:30 p.m.
rayer room opens at 7 : 15 each
ight.
The Rev. Vaughn of Wilson
ill be speaking each evening,
here will be special singing
ich night. Everyone is invited
I attend.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
The Rev. Robert Rollins,
Drmerly of Kinston, has
ssumed the pastorate of Davis
hurch. His new address is as
Jllows: Box 43, Davis, North
■arolina 28524.
NOTICE TO
ARTICIPATING CHURCHES
Churches participating in the
Widow's Fund are asked to note
mt two ministers have died,
he Rev. Clarence Bowen and
le Rev. Willie Stilley have
oth passed away within the
ist several weeks.
Gifts of $50 for each are now
ue from those participating in
ie program. Please respond
ccordingly by sending your
ifts to the following address:
oard of Superannuation, Box
3, Ayden, North Carolina
3513.
Don Fader
THE IMPORTANCE OF
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Learning how to live in the
"outside world" can be a
gradual process or it can be a
"slap in the face." No one likes
being slapped : it is frightening,
unexpected, confusing, and it
hurts. These feelings can be ex-
perienced by a young adult who
is not prepared to face the out-
side world on his or her own.
An Independent Living pro-
gram assists the young adult in
gradually preparing for what
will be required of him to sur-
vive in society. It is important
to learn a daily routine, how to
balance a checkbook, to cook
balanced meals, to follow a
monthly budget, and to make
decisions for oneself. These
tasks help the young adult to
mature and accept responsibili-
ty for himself and his future.
Independent Living helps the
experience of leaving the
"nest" seem less confusing and
frightening because the person
is prepared to handle living on
his own. An Independent Living
program is not a guarantee that
life will be easier, but is a
preparation for what is to be ex-
pected when a young adult is
ready to leave the nest and
begin a life of his own.
HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
7
Mount Olive College
Endowment of the Week
COLLEGE PRESENTED
PORTRAIT OF
FIRST PRESIDENT
Mrs. Lloyd Vernon of Mount Olive
and the Rev. David W. Hansley of La
Grange are shown hanging a portrait of
the late Lloyd Vernon, first president of
Mount Olive College (1952-5b).
The portrait is an oil painting
given to the College by Mrs.
Vernon, who has also estab-
lished the "Lloyd Vernon En-
dowment" at the College. In-
come from the Endowment is
used to maintain "The Lloyd
Vernon Library Collection"
which consists of books and
other learning resources ap-
propriate for the education of
ministers and other persons
preparing for church-related
vocations.
"The Vernon Endowment is
of special significance in help-
ing Mount Olive develop a four-
year program for ministers,"
President W. Burkette Raper
declared. "It is indeed a mean-
ingful memorial to a person
who devoted many years of his
life to improving the educa-
tional standards of the Free
Will Baptist ministry."
The Endowment is open to
any churches or persons who
would like to make gifts to the
College in memory of Mr. Ver-
non (1894-1980).
Mr. Hansley served as first
Chairman of the Board of
Trustees of Mount Olive Col-
lege.
FIFTY-ONE CHAIRS CONTRIBUTED TO COLLEGE HALlI
The campaign for convention chairs in College Hall contini
to make outstanding progress. Gifts for fifty-one (51) chairs durlT
the week ending February 6 brought the total to date to 680. if
College is seeking a goal of 800 chairs by March 9.
For a gift of $50, individuals, churches, Sunday schools, ai
iliaries, Layman's Leagues and other church groups may sponso
chair in honor or in memory of a person of their choosing. Dono
as well as those honored and memorialized, will be recognized or
chart in the lobby of College Hall.
Summary Through February 6
Needed 800 Chairs ($50 each)
Gifts to date 680 Chairs
Balance 120
Donors January 31— February 6
Donors
First Church of Klnston Layman's League, Klnston
In Honor of Bill Gurganus
By Union Chapel Woman's Auxiliary, Plymouth
In Honor of the Rev. Graham Faucette
By Saint Mary's Church, Kenly
In Honor of Amy Faucette
By Saint Mary's Church, Kenly
Oak Grove Church, Elm City
In Honor of the Rev. Willis Wilson
By Willis Wilson Sunday School Class of Reedy
Branch Church, Winterville
In Honor of Rebecca P. Moye and Terri Averette
By Senior High Sunday School Class of Reedy
Branch Church, Winterville
In Honor of the Rev. O. B. Everett Sr.
By Third Eastern Union Meeting
Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Incorporated, Ayden
Free Union Sunday School, Walstonburg
Free Union Church, Walstonburg
In Memory of John Clark
By Mr. and Mrs. Donnie Langston, Snow Hill
In Memory of Melvin V. Starling
By Mrs. Lillie A. Starling, Smithfield
In Honor of James and Kathy Cahoon
By Mr. and Mrs. Willard Cahoon, Columbia
Miss Eleanor G. Dickinson, Mount Olive
In Honor of Miss Louise Edgerton
By Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Joyner, Pikeville
In Memory of E. Wade and Dessie B. Holland
By Mr. and Mrs. Herman M. Steward, Four Oaks
In Honor of Marian Kennedy (Miss Mount Olive College
of 1981)
By Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Kennedy, La Grange
In Honor of the Rev. and Mrs. Robert M. May
By Hickory Chapel Church, Ahoskie
In Honor of the Rev. L. B. Manning
By Fourth Union of the Central Conference
In Honor of the Rev. and Mrs. Earl H. Glenn
By the Woman's Auxiliary of Daniels Chapel Church,
Wilson
In Honor of the James W. Everton Auxiliary
By the Woman's Auxiliary of Daniels Chapel Church,
Wilson
King's Cross Roads Church, Farmville
In Memory of Harvey H. and Lydia Casey
By Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Casey Jr., Goldsboro
In Memory of John Gordon Smith
By Mrs. John G. Smith, Paulette Smith Grant, and
Rachel Ann Smith, Goldsboro
Number
of Chairs
2
8
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'
i Honor of Mrs. Elizabeth H. Casey
By Sarah McCormack and Ernestine Lee, Goldsboro
i Honor of the Rev. Bryant Hines
By Casey's Chapel Church, Goldsboro
i Honor of Mrs. Tammy W. Hines
By Casey's Chapel Church, Goldsboro
. Memory of Mary Ann Outlaw
By Betty R. Outlaw, Mount Olive
Honor of Mrs. Deanye O. Morris
By Donna and Rand Holland, Fremont
Honor of Mrs. Lurline Averette
By Greenville Woman's Auxiliary, Greenville
Memory of Mrs. Clarence H. Overman Sr.
By the Rev. C. H. Overman, Ayden
Honor of the Rev. and Mrs. Carroll Hansley
By Mr. and Mrs. Alvis N. Heath, Newport
Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Linwood A. Harris Sr.
By Mrs. Lynn H. Paul, Pantego
Memory of Cornelia S. Jernigan
By Mr. and Mrs. D. F. Chambers, Kenansville
Memory of Robert Lee Summerlin Jr.
By Mr. and Mrs. D. F. Chambers, Kenansville
Memory of Ada J. Summerlin
By Mr. and Mrs. D. F. Chambers, Kenansville
Honor of the Rev. Clifton Rice
By the Ned Skinner Sunday School Class of Ormonds-
ville Church, Ormondsville
Honor of the Rev. Jack Mayo
By Ormondsville Church, Ormondsville
Honor of Mrs. Carolyn Mayo
By Ormondsville Church, Ormondsville
Totals, January 31— February 6
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
$2,550
COMING EVENTS AT MOC
Saturday, February 18, 9:30
.m.-Noon. A Financial Aid
workshop for parents and
tudents attending any college
l the fall of 1984. The workshop
| designed to assist prospec-
ve students and their parents
i applying for all types of
nancial aid— scholarships,
rants, loans, and work study,
pecial financial aid programs
rid the procedures to be fol-
>wed in the application pro-
ess will be presented in detail,
to registration fee will be
harged.
Monday, February 20, 2:00
.m. Advisory Committee on
hurch Relations will meet in
le Sawyer Room of Moye
ibrary. Ray Wells is chairman
f the committee and Frank
[arrison serves as the College
spresentative.
Tuesday, February 21, 11:30
.m. President W. Burkette
iaper will be interviewed on
le "Jim Burns Show" on
/ilmington television, Channel
•WECT.
COLLEGE DAY SERVICE AT
HICKORY CHAPEL
Hickory Chapel Church near
Ahoskie will observe Sunday,
February 19, as Mount Olive
College Day.
The Rev. Robert May,
pastor, has announced that
President W. Burkette Raper
will be the guest minister for
the day. Dr. Raper will teach a
combined session of adult Sun-
day school classes at 10 a.m.
and bring the message for the
morning worship service.
All friends of the College in
the Ahoskie area are cordially
invited to these special ser-
vices.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
WORKSHOP AT
PLEASANT HILL CHURCH
A Sunday School Workshop
will be held at Pleasant Hill
Church near Pikeville, North
Carolina, on February 23, 27
and March 5, 7 : 30-9 : 30 p.m. The
Paul Palmer Institute of Mount
Olive College has scheduled the
three-night workshop for Sun-
day school teachers, officers,
pastors and lay persons in
Wayne, Johnston, Wilson and
surrounding area.
Dianne B. Riley will conduct
the workshop. Teaching areas
to be included are, the
philosophy and purpose of the
Sunday school, a study of
teacher characteristics, ideas
for teaching the lesson, audio-
visual usage and ideas for more
participation.
In order to cover all areas, it
is important that those attend-
ing be present for all three
sessions. The workshop is open
to persons from any church.
There is no registration fee.
This workshop is being of-
fered in cooperation with the
State Sunday School Conven-
tion of Original Free Will Bap-
tists.
FREE WILL BAPTIST
HISTORICAL SOCDSTY
The annual meeting of the
Free Will Baptist Historical
Society has been scheduled for
February 24, at 2 p.m., in the
Sawyer Room of Moye Library
on the campus of Mount Olive
College.
The main feature of the pro-
gram will be a paper on the
history of the Free Will Baptist
Theological Seminary and
Eureka College by Dr. Michael
R. Pelt, professor of Religion at
the College.
All members of the Historical
Society are encouraged to be
present and visitors are cor-
dially invited.
Ronnie Hobgood, Vice President and
Program Chairman
Gary F. Barefoot, Secretary
FACULTY SPEAKING
ENGAGEMENT
Dr. Calvin Mercer, professor
of Religion, will participate in a
panel discussion on drinking
and driving which will be held
on Sunday, February 19, at 5:30
p.m., at Pine Level Church,
Johnston County. The Rev.
Donald Coates is the host
pastor.
HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
9
Foreign Missions!
OPEN LETTER FROM
MISSIONARY FRED BAKER
Dear Friends,
We are writing this open letter to inform you
of a very urgent need we have here in the Philip-
pines. Many of you have said, "If you ever need
anything just let us know." "If there is anything
I can do, please let me know." It is because we
believe in the sincerity of your words and in your
commitment to Christ, that we write this letter.
The need is for the building to house our
printing department. The building is 1,840 square
feet and has a construction cost of $15 a square
foot.
Friend, this building has been considered by
your missionaries, national leaders, and the
Board of Foreign Missions as one of our greatest
needs. We are constantly plagued with a short-
age of gospel tracts and home Bible study
materials to use in our church planting and
evangelistic work. Western published material
with western illustrations are not under-
standable by most Asian people.
God has provided us with an offset press,
platemaker, and typewriters to begin printing
our materials. This equipment is already here,
but there is nowhere to unpack it and put it into
operation. Therefore, this equipment sits idle in
crates while people are dying without the gospel.
This project depends on you, your Sunday
school class, your men's group, your Woman's
Auxiliary, your young people, and your church.
How many square feet will God have you to give?
Remember, God never asks us to give anything
that He has not first given to us.
h
Please make this a matter of prayer. Sen
your gifts to: Board of Foreign Missions, Box 3*
Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Be sure to mar
your gifts for this project "Philippine Building.
Thank you and may God bless you.
Fred Bake
Missionary to the Philippine]
BUILDING FOR P.B.I. PHILIPPINES
PRAYER REQUEST
Join us in prayer for the completion of thi
building in the Philippines. We believe the Lon
will provide. (See John 14:13, 14.)
/ /
h-
1170 sq. needed for completion
=1
1 1
=1
On campus of Palawan Bible Institute.
You can help by sending $15 for one squar
foot. The square foot you give will make a dil
ference.
DON'T FORGET
MARCH 9, 1984— The World Missions Conference and Rally
MARCH
s
M
T
W
T
F
S
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
The daytime sessions will be held on the
downtown campus of Mount Olive College. Join us
for prayer at 9 a.m. The first session begins at 10
a.m.
The World Missions Rally will be held in College
Hall at 7:30 p.m. Come and bring a large
number from your church.
March 25 Telethon Sunday for Foreign Missions. Plan now
to call in your special offering between 1:30-5:30
p.m. Phone (919) 746-4963. Your call will make a
difference.
March 25 Free Will Baptist Day of Prayer for World Mis-
sions. Prayer is essential for a strong world mis-
sions program. Thank you for being a faithful
prayer partner.
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'
Woman's Auxiliary
Treasurer's Report
End of third quarter, January 31, 1984
ilance Brought Forward, November 1, 1983 $5,620.90
Receipts
jneral Fund:
Contributions $
Registration fees
Per Capita dues .80
Interest 169.44
Promotional fund (CSF) 137.55
Life Award fees 70.00 377.79
■nominational Enterprises 11,425.95
ital Receipts — — 11,803.74
ital for which to account $17,424.64
invention expenses and
allocations
snominational Enterprises
ital disbursed
ilance to account for,
January 31, 1984
•anch Banking and Trust
Company (checking)
ount Olive College Bonds
Total
Disbursements
$ 224.20
11,425.95
11,650.15
$ 5,774.49
Summary
$ 2,774.49
3,000.00
$ 5,774.49
DENOMINATIONAL ENTERPRISE REPORT
Dme Missions (State Project)
>reign Missions :
General Fund
Mexico
J. E. Timmons Memorial Fund
Palawan Library
Press Building in Philippines
India Pastor
Bibles for India
State Project (Missionary wives)
ount Olive College :
General Fund
Alice Lupton Scholarship
Anna Phillips Student Aid
State Project (dishwasher)
Chairs for College Hall
uldren's Home:
General Fund (state project)
Clothing
Music lessons
Child's Christmas gift
perannuation
agmont Assembly
itirement Homes, Inc
fe Award Fees (Children's Home)
mtral Conference Missions
hristian Service Fund
Missions
Mount Olive College
Children's Home
Cragmont
Superannuation
Retirement Homes
lal
) percent retained for promotional
(see receipts $137.55
Itemize
1,012.94
225.00
103.00
80.00
25.00
80.00
20.00
470.00
559.12
43.50
170.00
269.00
350.00
3,258.10
249.00
45.00
50.00
Received
$ 1,369.28
Disbursed
$ 1,369.28
275.10
275.10
206.31
206.31
137.55
137.54
2,015.94
1,391.62
3,602.10
434.00
785.80
394.30
175.00
20.00
. 1,237.91
$11,425.95
2,015.94
1,391.62
3,602.10
434.00
785.80
394.30
175.00
20.00
1,237.91
$11,425.95
Respectfully submitted,
Mrs. Raymond T. Sasser, Treasurer
THE
CHRISTIAN NURTURER
by Bass Mitchell
Albert Schweitzer once said,
"Example is not the main thing
in influencing others. It is the
only thing!" Perhaps there is
nothing we can do that will be
any more beneficial for Sunday
school teachers than to provide
them with models of commit-
ment to and enthusiasm about
Christian education. Commit-
ment and enthusiasm are con-
tagious. Can we expect
teachers to be anymore com-
mitted and motivated than we
are as leaders in the church?
But how can we have such
commitment and thus set the
best example for teachers? Let
me offer a few suggestions.
First, the remainder of the
articles in this series will be an
elaboration of this basic point.
If we put into practice many of
the things discussed in these ar-
ticles, then we will be well on
our way to setting examples
which will inspire teachers and
offer them motivational incen-
tives.
Second, we need a renewed
vision of our purpose in the
world. Specifically, we must
become convinced of the ab-
solute importance and necessi-
ty of the educational ministry
in the life of the church. Such a
conviction and commitment
would be following the example
and command of our Lord.
Jesus considered teaching to be
essential to His mission and the
continuation of His mission
through the church. Read
through the Gospels and note
how often Jesus is called
"teacher" and how often He
taught. Also, note the diverse
teaching methods He used. He
said that one of the chief
responsibilities of the Holy
Spirit would be to continue His
teaching ministry ( John 14 : 26 ) .
As the risen Lord He commis-
sioned His church to a teaching
ministry: "Go and make
disciples of all nations, baptiz-
ing them . . . teaching them to
(Continued on Page 13)
3E FREE WILL BAPTIST
11
Family Devotions
SUNDAY,
FEBRUARY
19
Scripture Reading— Numbers 14, 15
QUICK! QUICK!
As one of the early translators of the Bible
was finishing his work, he felt death coming on.
"Quick! Quick!" he said to the copyist. "All is
done, but a portion of a chapter." He began to
dictate rapidly. The penman pushed himself to
the limit and the task was completed. The Bible
had been translated into the language of the com-
mon people. The lips of the translator moved
feebly. The faithful scribe, bending low, caught
his last words: "Glory be to the Father, and to
the Son, and to the Holy Ghost!"
Let us so give ourselves to our apportioned
task that when we face life's setting sun we can
say, "I have finished the work which Thou
gavest me to do!"
There is no limit to what can be accom-
plished if it doesn't matter who gets the credit.
MONDAY,
FEBRUARY
30
Scripture Reading— Numbers 16-18
THE EASY ROAD CROWDED
The easy roads are crowded,
And the level roads are jammed;
The pleasant little rivers
With the drifting folks are crammed,
But off yonder where it's rocky
Where you get a better view,
You will find the ranks are thinning
And the travelers are few.
Where the going's smooth and pleasant
You will always find the throng,
For the many, more's the pity,
Seem to like to drift along;
But the steps that call for courage,
And the task that's hard to do,
In the end results in glory
For the never-wavering few.
The Christian should not differentiate be-
tween things secular and things sacred. All that
the Christian does should be sacred: "And what-
soever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name
of the Lord Jesus" (Colossians 3:17). The words,
"Holiness unto the Lord, " should be emblazoned
over everything the Christian does.
TUESDAY,
FEBRUARY
21
Scripture Reading -Numbers 19, 20
OPPOSITION!
Opposition ! It is a bad sign for the Christiani-
ty of this day that it provokes so little opposition. 1
If there were no other evidence of its being1
wrong, I should know it from that. When the1
church and the world can go along comfortably 1
together, you may be sure there is something1
wrong. The world has not altered. Its spirit is ex- '
actly the same as it ever was: and if Christians 1
were equally faithful and devoted to the Lord,
and separated from the world, living so that their
lives were a reproof to all ungodliness, the world
would hate them as much as it ever did. It is the
church that has altered, not the world.
"What do you consider a good rule of life?"
someone asked Dr. J. Wilbur Chapman. He
replied, "This rule governs my life — anything
that dims my vision of Christ, or takes away my
taste for Bible study, or cramps my prayer life,
or makes Christian work more difficult, is wrong
for me and I must, as a Christian, turn away
from it. "
WEDNESDAY,
FEBRUARY
22
Scripture Reading— Numbers 21, 22
WHY HE SOLD HIS VIOLIN
More than once I heard the late Gypsy Smith
relate the story of his father's conversion. He
heard the message of salvation, and, with
penitence, received the Saviour as his own. That
evening he returned to his motherless children in
the gypsy wagon, and related to them all he knew
of the Saviour and of the Scriptures. Then he
prayed with them, setting up a family altar the
first night of his new life in Christ. The following
morning he repeated the whole matter again.
Then he went back to town, and took with him the
dearest treasure of a gypsy's heart, his violin. On
returning home that night, he was without it, for
he had sold it. He had sufficient spiritual insight
that first day of salvation to realize that the old
association with drinking and dancing places,
where he had used his violin, would be inconsis-
tent with his stand for Christ, and detrimental to
his own conscience.
We are glad for those whose background
allows them to play the violin for God's glory, but
whatever is inconsistent to us and to others must
be abandoned.
12
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
HURSDAY, 2Q
EBRUARY
ripture Reading -Numbers 23-25
I'M THAT CLOWN!
"I am suffering from such an overwhelming
jpression that life has become unbearable,"
dd a patient to a well-known psychiatrist. "Try
rely amusement, or try a lively novel. This
ay take your thoughts from yourself and prove
itter than any medicine I might prescribe,"
id the doctor. The patient shook his head
avely, as he stared vacantly and despairingly
the doctor. "Ah," said the medic, "I think I
low what will lift you out of your despondency,
jvant you to go to the circus tonight. There you
ill see the antics of a world-famed clown. His
owning is the talk of the city, and his merri-
ent is contagious! " Blank despair deepened on
e face of the patient as he sadly said, "But doc-
r, I'm that clown!"
The "world" is a "spirit," and is expressed
things. It defies exact definition because it is a
irit. The closest working definition I have
und is that of John Wesley: "Whatsoever cools
y affection toward Christ is the world."
RID AY,
EBRUARY
24
ripture Reading— Numbers 26, 27
NO HALF MEASURES
There is no very great measure of joy in a
.lf-hearted Christian life. Many so-called Chris-
ins have just enough religion to make them
iserable. They can no longer enjoy the world,
id they have not entered into the "joy of the
»rd." There they stand, deprived of the "leeks,
id the onions, and the garlic" of Egypt, and
thout the milk and honey and the finest of the
leat of Canaan. That is a wretched place to be
. The way out is simple— absolute surrender to
)d. Then your joy will be fulfilled. There is but
e way to find that fullness of joy— a sur-
ndered life.
A will and life completely surrendered to the
td of love will bring joy under all cir-
mstances.
^TURDAY,
EBRUARY
25
•ipture Reading— Numbers 28, 29
DON'T KNOW WHERE TO DRAW THE LINE
A teenage girl was converted and filled with
/e for her Lord. She wanted to please Him in all
at she did. "I want to be the best kind of a
tness for my Lord, but I don't know where to
draw the line," she said to her pastor. "There
are certain kinds of worldly pleasures that other
Christian young people seem to think are all
right. I don't want to go to any place where I can-
not take my Lord," she said.
The pastor was understanding and sym-
pathetic. "Elizabeth, Christ is now your Compa-
nion. Will your going to questionable places
strengthen your daily walk with Him? Can you
invite Jesus to accompany you and take part in
these things? Should Jesus come when you are in
some questionable place, would you be ashamed
to be there?" "Thank you, pastor," said
Elizabeth. "When I am in doubt about anything,
I will give Jesus the benefit of the doubt, and
seek to please Him in all that I do."
A fine Christian woman once testified:
"Shortly after I was married, I lived in a com-
munity in which many of the ladies spent much
of their time in social affairs, some of which
were not necessarily evil but of no lasting value
in relation to the judgment seat of Christ. Before
I realized it, I found myself enmeshed in an
endless round of social functions. I was neglect-
ing my home, prayer, and Bible study. I knew I
had to make a choice between the world and giv-
ing Christ first place in my life. How I praise
Him for the decision I made to follow Him!"
Portions selected from Knight's Treasury of Illustra-
tions, Walter B. Knight.
THE CHRISTIAN NURTURER
(Continued from Page 11)
observe all that I have commanded you . . .
Christian education was not a passing interest or
option for Jesus! How can it be for us?
Third, we as leaders must devote more of
our time and attention to Christian education.
How much time did you devote to Christian
education last week? If teachers see that we con-
sider Christian education important enough to
deserve a significant amount of our time and
energy, then they are more likely to do the same.
This means that we as ministers must devote
more time to being an educator. Too often we
treat teaching as an option which we can take or
leave. We would do well as a denomination to re-
quire that teaching be a major expectation of the
ordained ministry. I believe that this is going to
be an increasing need and demand among our
churches.
Do not underestimate the power of an exam-
ple, for good or bad. We set an example whether
we know it or not. What kind of an example are
we setting?
IE FREE WILL BAPTIST
13
Sunday School Lesson
For February 19
COME TO THE FEAST
Lesson Text: Isaiah 55:1-3, 6-11
Memory Verse: Isaiah 55:6
"A gospel message should
never be concluded without an
invitation being given." The
writer remembers receiving
this advice from a Christian
professor years ago, and in
principle he considers it valid.
The proclamation of the Word
of God, whether in sermon, in
teaching, or in daily conversa-
tion, should challenge the
hearer to a decision. Any who
have never confessed the Christ
publicly should be invited to do
so, thus to claim His promise in
Matthew 10: 32— "Whosoever
therefore shall confess me
before men, him will I confess
also before my Father which is
in heaven." One of the first to
make this confession was the
Apostle Peter, when he
declared, "Thou art the Christ,
the Son of the living God" (Mat-
thew 16:16). All would do well
to follow his example, since
there is "none other name
under heaven given among
men, whereby we must be
saved" (Acts 4:12).
The proclamation of the
Word of God is not mere recital.
It is not just to enter-
tain—although many seem to
believe this to be the purpose of
preaching! Nor is it simply to
inform. Truth is to be
presented, yes. The teaching of
the Bible and the evidence of
the truth of it must be com-
municated, but this com-
munication is not an end in
itself. The gospel, it has been
observed, consists of "facts to
be believed, commands to be
obeyed, and promises to be en-
joyed." Belief without obe-
dience can scarcely be said to
be belief at all— "the devils also
believe, and tremble" (James
2:19). Consequently, those with
whom the message is shared
should be invited to confess
Christ as Saviour and to be
buried with Him in baptism, to
rise to a new life (Mark 16:16;
Acts 2:38; Romans 6:4). The
work of the messenger of God is
incomplete until he has ex-
tended God's invitation. This
truth is demonstrated in our
lesson for today.
"Comfort ye, comfort ye my
people, saith your God." These
are the opening words of the
section of Isaiah known ap-
propriately as "The Book of
Comfort." The need for com-
fort was great. God had not
wholly cast off His people, but
He did permit them to suffer
exile in Babylon because of
their sins. Jerusalem lay in
ruins, and the exile dragged on
into the second or third genera-
tion. Israel was "a people
robbed and spoiled" (42:22)
and there was no one to guide
her (51:18). It did not help her
situation to realize that she was
suffering the anger of the Lord
because she had sinned
(42 : 24) ; and we can understand
that the people might despair
that God had forgotten them
(49:14). Some, obviously, were
resigning themselves to a con-
tinued existence in Babylon,
not daring to hope for anything
better. But to these people the
prophet addressed words of
comfort and hope. God would
provide deliverance for them.
Basic to this prophecy and
stated emphatically is the fact
that there is only one true God
and only He could help (44:6;
45:5, 6, 21, 22). He would raise
up Cyrus, king of Persia, as a
deliverer of Israel from the
Babylonian captivity ( 44 : 28 ) .
Jerusalem would be rebuilt
(45:13). This deliverance of
Israel is recognized as a new
creation of the Lord. Like
Ezekiel's valley of dry bones,
the nation would live again.
This deliverance is compared
with the deliverance from
Egypt, but it would be more
glorious. Its effect would even-
tually fall upon the Gentiles,
who would share in the bless-
ings of the Lord.
As the prophecy unfolds, il
becomes evident that what is
described for us is the begin-
ning of a great era of salva-
tion—something far more than
the return of a few thousand
Jews from Babylon. Theirs
would be a temporal salvation,
wrought by Cyrus, but not to be
compared with the salvation
from sin for time and eternity
that the Servant of the Lord
would provide. The Servant
would make atonement for sin
and usher in the Kingdom of
God (Isaiah 53). In Chapter 54
we have a picture of Zion, the
redeemed city of God, but it is
more than the literal
Jerusalem of the returned ex-
iles. It is God's kingdom,
enlarged to include all who
would respond to God's call. In
Galatians 4:27 the Apostle Paul
applies this Scripture to the
church. All things are now
ready. It only remains for
God's invitation to be extended
to those who will hear.
Futhermore, God calls. He
invites, in spite of our un-
worthiness, for His ways are
not the ways of man.
Fellowship with Him that
brings new life may be ours
"without money and without
price." His Word so states, and
we can believe it. If money
were required, and we had no
money, there might be some
excuse, some reason for
hesitating. But the price of our
salvation has already been
paid, for "while we were yet
sinners, Christ died for us"
(Romans 5:8). The price ex-
pected of us is to trust in God
and to respond in faith to His of-
fer of love. The feast is spread.
All things are ready. Whatever
our needs— morally, socially,
spiritually— He is waiting to
supply. Why should anyone
hesitate? Why not call on Him
right now, while He is
near? — Standard Lesson Com-
mentary
14
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
EDITORIAL
(Continued from Page 2)
Get to know your minister— it will make his job much easier; and
you will be blessed.
Also, if there are young people in your home, teach them, by good
example, how to relate to their minister. Your attitude "will" become their
attitude.
Lord, instead of having to be an example, let each of us as
your servants be an opportunity.
MINISTERS AVAILABLE
On Sunday, February 5, 1984,
aring the morning worship
irvice Shiloh Church near
inetown (Albemarle Con-
srence) licensed Raymond L.
agcher to preach the gospel,
e is available for revivals,
lpply work, and any other
ork for the Lord. Mr. Lagcher
in be contacted by calling
119) 927-4439 or writing P.O.
ox 146, Pinetown, North
arolina 27865.
The Rev. Eldon L. Brock
ishes to announce that he is
dw available for full-time or
art- time pastoral work. He is
member in good standing
ith the Eastern Conference of
riginal Free Will Baptists. His
)me address is 1315 Holman
:reet, Kinston, North Carolina
1501; phone, (day) 523-7155,
light) 527-6985.
The Rev. W. H. Willis an-
ounces that he is available for
astoring any church that he
an be of service. He may be
ontacted by writing 1121 Dunn
toad, Kinston, North Carolina
3501; phone 523-4098.
ADDRESS CHANGE
The address for the Rev.
•onald Coates, pastor of the
ine Level Church, is now
:oute 1, Box 91-C, Smithfield,
forth Carolina 27577. His old
ddress was P.O. Box 450, Pine
evel, North Carolina 27568.
[is telephone number is
54-2727.
PIANO
(Continued from Page 9)
remembered as "a person who
loved music, had a beautiful
voice and who enjoyed playing
the piano for her family." A
local citizen described Mrs.
Wilson as one who "never
ceased to do something for her
neighbors and to make one feel
better after visiting with her.
She was a good neighbor, a
wonderful wife and mother."
President W. Burkette Raper
of the College recalled Mrs.
Wilson as a person who was
always characterized "by a
warm and positive Christian
spirit. She often inquired about
what she could do to help some
student."
Mr. Wilson was a native of
Sampson County and grew up
in the Saint Paul Free Will Bap-
tist Church community where
his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Willie
C. Wilson, were members. In
1930, Clarence moved to Mount
Olive where for many years he
was a partner in the operation
of the automobile dealership
for the Ford Motor Company.
A PASTOR'S PERSONAL
PRAYER REQUEST
About 100 years ago, someone
asked Charles Spurgeon the
secret of his overwhelming suc-
cess as a pastor. Gesturing
toward the prayer room of the
Metropolitan Tabernacle, he
answered, "My people pray for
me."
Over and over again, the
Apostle Paul exhorted his
readers to pray for him. I would
like to ask each of you to pray
for your minister every day.
Would you specifically request
in the prayer the following
things?
1. Give him a growing love
for Thyself and Thy Word.
2. Bless his family that it
might provide a model
Christian family for all
who observe their lives.
3. Give him physical health
and strength, moral cour-
age, and spiritual power
to faithfully proclaim
God's Word.
4. Give him wisdom in all
the decisions which need
to be made.
5. Bind the satanic forces
which attack and bind him.
6. Keep and protect him from
wicked and unreasonable
persons.
7. Glorify Thyself in every-
thing he thinks, does, and
says.
8. Anoint him with the power
of the Holy Spirit to teach,
lead, and oversee the
ministry of the church.
9. Give him a genuine love
for people.
10. Touch and fill his wife
with Thy spirit as she
ministers with him.
11. Give wisdom and power to
the officers and staff mem-
bers as they assist in the
ministry to which God has
called them.
12. Keep him from discourage-
ment.
There's
a place for
YOU
in
God's work!
HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
15
/
SURE
CURE FOR
THE "WINTER
BOREDOM BLUES"
Travel to magical kingdoms, move through time, visit other coun-
tries, sail the seven seas, read about the lives of famous people,
become more learned on doctrinal matters ... all in your own
backyard or living room!
Books packed with adventure, excitement, and inspiration can be
found in abundance at:
The Free Will Baptist Press Foundation and its branch bookstores —
New Bern, Smithfield, Wilson, Kinston, and Whiteville
16
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
Free H i 1 1
Baptist
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1984
AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA
The Free Will Baptist
CONTENTS
Editorial 2
Feature 4
Weekly Features
News and Notes 8
Mount Olive College 8
Foreign Missions 11
Home Missions 12
Children's Home 14
Sunday School Lesson 15
Family Devotions 16
Bonhoeffer: The Man and
His Theology 6
Volume 99 Number 8
February 22, 1984
Janie Jones Sowers
Editor
Edited and published forty-eight times a year by
the Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.. 811
North Lee Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513 0158.
Second-class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina
(USPS 209-4401.
All materials to be placed in any issue must be in
the hands of the editor seven days prior to the
publication date of that issue.
The purpose of this paper is to promote the cause of
Christ among Original Free Will Baptists, and we
reserve the right to refuse any article or news that is
inconsistent with our purpose, programs, or policies,
and that does not reflect a spirit of harmony and
cooperation with the Free Will Baptist Press Foun-
dation and the North Carolina State Convention of
Original Free Will Baptists.
The contents herein do not necessarily reflect the
beliefs or policies of the editor or of The Free Will
Baptist. The responsibility for each article is given
the person whose name appears under the title or to
the person submitting said article.
Items for publication should be addressed to the
Editor. The Free Will Baptist. P. O. Box 158. Ayden,
North Carolina 28513-0158.
All subscriptions are payable in advance: one
year, $8.84; two years. $16.12; four years, $31.20 (in-
cluding sales tax for North Carolina residents];
residents of other states, $8.50, $15.50 and $30 respec-
tively (plus sales tax where it applies).
Every- Family Plan: A 25 percent discount given
when local churches send the "Baptist" to the home
of every member; names and addresses to be pro-
vided by churches Churches are billed quarterly
Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists" are
sent to one individual who in turn distributes these. A
50 percent discount is offered under this plan.
Bookstore Hours: Ayden, Smithfield, and
Whiteville. 9 a m —5 p.m.. Monday— Saturday.
New Bern, Wilson, and Kinston, 9:30 a.m.— 5 p.m.,
Monday — Saturday .
Board of Directors
Dewey Boling, President; C. Felton Godwin, Vice
President; Ruth Taylor, Secretary; Adrian Grubbs,
Assistant Secretary; Robert May; Eddie Edwards.
Marice DeBruhl; James Billy Hardee; De Wayne
Eakes; David W. Hansley. Chairman Emeritus.
Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.: Cliff
Gray, Executive Director; Bobby Pennington.
Financial Director: Janie Jones Sowers, Editor of
Literature.
2
From the Editor
i
Mirrors, Alligators, and Survival
I have never been fond of mirrors— they do not alter my
appearance at all. Mirrors fail to hide bulges, wrinkles,,
whatever "defects" might be present; everything about me isi
reflected so that I can see myself as I really am. Granted, my1
perception of that appearance can be tempered— but reality
does not change just because I may not be willing to accept)
what might be. But mirrors do reveal a great deal about ouri
physical appearance, and like them or not, their use proves tJ
be beneficial both to us and those who must be around us.
I have accepted the fact that I should care for my physical,
existence; but more importantly, my spiritual being must be(
"groomed." Now the flaws present in my physical makeup!
are not as obvious at times as those that exist in my spiritual'
nature— and it is these flaws that people like to point out. II
guess we all feel better when we can point our fingers at1:
others. This helps us feel more superior— and it keeps others
from looking at us as closely. This was not written for that pur-
pose.
A young minister in Georgia once declared: "It's one
thing to sit in your living room and look at pictures of
alligators in National Geographic. It's another thing to bet
waist deep in swamp water in Florida." To this I'd like to add!
that it is also a more exciting adventure when you are in that
swamp water, alligators have been spotted, and you feel,
something nipping at your legs. We have "looked" long
enough; maybe we have looked and said that something
needed to be done but felt that someone else would do it;
whatever the situation, we are in the swamp water and!
something is nipping at our very existence. Why do I say this?i
you ask. Well, I have looked at the only mirror our denomina-
tion presently has and the image reflected for my examination
is frightening.
Following you will find a table comparing membership;
figures for organizations in the North Carolina State Conven-
tion of Original Free Will Baptists for 1979 and 1983. (Figures
from those churches reporting were compiled from the 1980
and 1984 editions of the Yearbook for Original Free Will Bap-
tists of North Carolina, so they reflect totals for July 1,
1978— June 30, 1979, from the 1980 edition; and July 1,
1982— June 30, 1983, from the 1984 edition.) Figures comparing
1982 and 1983 are also given.
THE FREE WILL BAPTJl
ME
.MBERSHII
>
Conference
Church
Sunday School
League
YFA
AFC
WA
LL
1979
1983
1979
1983
1979
1983
1979
1983
1979
1983
1979
1983
1979
1983
lbemarle
2117
1909
1142
832
108
52
86
59
50
40
225
149
39
22
ape Fear
4687
4328
3255
2578
22
46
241
235
203
145
550
557
56
111
entral
7863
7421
5018
4299
243
135
260
221
254
252
1005
948
304
410
astern
10658
9753
6915
6170
265
196
403
446
366
278
1414
1241
127
208
ee Dee
1703
1736
1722
1557
320
313
176
105
56
62
165
129
j 56
31
iedmont
1102
1281
980
948
60 None
86
51
24
44
170
158
23
38
Western
8626
8668
5951
5633
90 None
490
455
306
303
1119
1094
187
247
otal
36756
35096
24983
22017
1108
742
1742
1572
1259
1124
4648
4276
792
1067
et Gain or Loss
-1660
-2966
-366
-170
-135
-372
+ 275
ain or Loss Since 1982
-640
-406
-18
+ 116
-97
-142
+ 151
Now to be quite frank with you, these figures
ave to be quite alarming to me. Why does this
ve to be? Consideration of these totals has
ised many questions— questions I feel must be
swered:
Where are we as Original Free Will Bap-
tists heading? Does anyone have any plans?
Has anyone drafted any goals? How can we
accomplish anything without organization?
How can we know where we are going if we
do not really know our present situation?
Yes, it is nice to know our history— we learn
from it— but isn't it time we stop dwelling in
the past? Isn't it time we look at the present
and toward the future (if we are going to have
one!)?
Why aren't our churches and Sunday
schools growing? Examine the chart
below— these figures (from last year) are
rather startling.
inference
Churches
in Con.
Number
with
Church
growth
Sunday
school
growth
dbemarle
16
5
1
pape Fear
30
13
15
Central
43
21
18
Eastern
83
24
24
Pee Dee
16
9
8
Piedmont
26
9
8
Vestern
52
20
14 1
totals
266
101
88
Yes, I understand that churches and
unday schools clean their rolls periodically.
|3ut I also know that decreases have been
continuous since 1979, the first year I totaled
:hese figures; I also know that membership
'oils do not reflect actual participation— it
orobably runs 66-75% of those totals at best,
jjust think: if every Christian won just one
soul to Christ a year, we could double in one
gear's time. (Consideration has to be taken
for yearly losses due to death and transfer.)
What do we hope to accomplish as a
denomination with our boards, committees,
and conventions "doing their own things"?
Do we really have a denomination, or are we a
church with various centers of interest? Serv-
ing self will not work. We must work together
and toward some common goal.
How can we expect denominational
enterprises to accomplish the purposes for
which they were established when the direc-
tors of those enterprises must concentrate
about 90% of their energies on raising
funds? Are they not hired to administer pro-
grams?
Just what can be accomplished in a
fifteen-minute Sunday school class? Why are
we not concerned about the quality of
teaching our children receive in Sunday
school? We must not believe religious train-
ing is important; for if we did, we would seek
to improve our Sunday schools. Teachers
who prepare "Saturday night specials" (Sun-
day morning lessons) would have to become
more committed or they would be replaced.
We would see to it that our children read
their lessons and studied their Bibles— and
we would study, too. You know, our children
have learned that church is not important.
They have learned this from us— they watch
and listen.
Do we have a chance to survive?
Records seem to indicate that the majority of
our membership is over 50 years old. Now, I
have no problem with age— but where are our
young people? Without them we do not have
a future? Don't we care?
Where is our concern for souls?
Brothers and sisters, I am concerned. I
understand that sounding alarms is not a good
way to win friends and influence people— but it is
time that we do something. Talk is easy— it is
cheap. Much more is required.
It is appropriate, productive, and good that
we periodically engage ourselves in an appraisal
of our roles, ministry, internal dynamics,
outreach and life as a church. The time is now.
We cannot wait. Will we?
HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
THE EDUCATION OF THE MINISTRY
IN THE FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCI
by Dr. Michael R. Pelt, Professor of Religion, Mount Olive College
Dr. Michael R. Pelt
In the churches today it is
widely accepted that ministers
should be persons of good
moral character, possessing
native gifts which make them
suitable for the pastoral office,
equipped with a liberal arts
education, and schooled in the
theological disciplines.
In the Free Will Baptist
Church, we have emphasized
the necessity of a calling to the
ministry and have generally in-
sisted that candidates should
possess good moral character.
As to the educational qualifica-
tions, our expectations are not
as clear. Generally the leader-
ship of the denomination has
made repeated calls for higher
educational standards for
ministers, and many laymen,
especially those who value
education for themselves, see
the importance of having
ministers who are well-
equipped for the work they are
called to do.
Yet this attitude is not shared
by all Free Will Baptists. There
seems to be a feeling of am-
bivalence toward education for
the ministry among some of our
brethren. This feeling is, I
suspect, an unexamined feel-
ing, one that cannot easily be
explained. But I believe it
needs to have some light shed
upon it because our attitude
toward this matter of the right
kind of education for those who
will provide leadership for our
churches and for the denomina-
tion as a whole is of great con-
sequence for the future of the
Free Will Baptist Church.
Ministerial Education
in the Past
First of all, let us look briefly
at ministerial education in our
denomination in the past.
Throughout much of our history
in North Carolina, Free Will
Baptists felt no obligation to
provide education for the
ministry. Without a doubt there
were some men who were the
exception to this in that they
provided through their
ministry of preaching,
teaching, and personal exam-
ple a witness to the value of
learning at a time when most of
their church members pos-
sessed only the rudiments of an
education simply because the
opportunities for formal educa-
tion were so limited in this area
of the country.
The fact that some ministers
were literate, men like Jesse
Heath and Rufus K. Hearn, is a
tribute to their desire to obtain
at least the skills of reading and
writing. In this way they could
continue to learn throughout
life and communicate their
knowledge and understanding
to others. Free Will Baptists
owe a great debt to men lil
these without whom we wou
know very little about our pa
and might not have a d
nominational identity today.
The fact that these men we:
exceptional means that thei,
were many others who did n
have even the most basic skil
to enable them to read and i
terpret the Bible and oth«
Christian literature. Thus son
of them were easily led astra
by the most persuasive voic<
that appeared among them, <
they were intimidated by ai|
minister who seemed to posse;
gifts of knowledge which the
did not have. For these ar
other reasons many Free Wi
Baptist ministers and laymt
developed a distrust of leari
ing. They were content to folio
the leadership of those who:!
they felt they could trust or wl1
provided a model for them.
In the last century, whl
other denominations in th
state were establishing
academies, institutes, and cc
leges to provide education fd
their young people, am
especially for ministeria
recruits, Free Will Baptist)
continued to organize churchq
and ordain men to the ministry
but they were not buildirl
schools, nor were they ei
couraging their youth to obtai
the best possible education. t\
my opinion this was an error il
judgment.
Ayden Seminary
A change in that trend bega
to occur toward the end of tt
nineteenth century when
group of Free Will Baptists pn
posed to establish a seminar?
The result was the building <
4
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS
tyden Seminary, which opened
3 1898 and to which was added
theological department.
Through the pages of The
ree Will Baptist and through
leir visits to churches, the
iculty and supporters of this
phool strove mightily to con-
ince Free Will Baptists
iverywhere that Christian
rtucation is a worthy cause and
iinisters especially should
vail themselves of this oppor-
inity to prepare for the work
> which they have been called,
ne has only to consider the
Mitributions of men like S. H.
tyron, M. C. Prescott, Robert
. Pittman, W. B. Everett,
. C. Morris, J. W. Alford, J. C.
Tiffin, James Evans, Lloyd
ernon, J. C. Moye, Clifton
ice, and numerous others who
tended Ayden Seminary or
ureka College to realize how
tal were these institutions to
e future development of the
ree Will Baptist denomination
North Carolina.
For a generation after
lureka College closed its
oors, Free Will Baptist
iinisters had to go outside the
enomination or outside North
arolina to pursue their educa-
onal goals. On the surface
iere would seem to be nothing
rong with that. But the results
f not having an educational
jenter during those years left
|orth Carolina Free Will Bap-
|Sts without the unity and
sprit de corps necessary to
uild a strong and progressive
rogram within the state.
i The fact that the loyalty of
pme Free Will Baptists was
jirected almost exclusively
pward Nashville and the pro-
rams of the National Associa-
ion made the situation here all
fie more difficult. Despite the
ict that the North Carolina
tate Convention withdrew
ram the National Association
nd began to chart its own
ourse in 1961, we still suffer
from some of the wounds in-
flicted during that crisis. Our
efforts to provide a sound pro-
gram of Christian higher
education have at times been
hampered by a few who still
espouse the view that Christian
education is essentially indoc-
trination rather than the total
development of persons in the
light of the gospel of Jesus
Christ.
The Problem of Slothfulness
One of the purposes of Mount
Olive College since its begin-
ning has been to provide two
years of study for those prepar-
ing for the ministry. We have
always encouraged ministerial
students to get a good founda-
tion in the liberal arts, believ-
ing that ministers should not
lack the basic knowledge and
skills that are needed by all
persons who aspire to serve in a
leadership role. If anything, the
minister should have an even
better general education than
most members of the congrega-
tion he expects to serve. Only
then can he hope to encourage
them to grow as persons as well
as in the graces of the Christian
life. But in all honesty we have
known some who wanted to be
ministers but who did not want
to take the time and effort re-
quired to obtain even two years
of study in college.
Considering the importance
of the ministerial calling and
the opportunities for attending
college today, that attitude is
difficult to comprehend. It
arises either out of sloth (one of
the seven deadly sins in the
Middle Ages ) or the feeling that
the world will not last until one
can prepare himself for the
task of taking the gospel to
benighted souls.
I suspect that the problem of
slothfulness is a more serious
hindrance to those who aspire
to be ministers but do not want
to accept the discipline of
preparation that goes with it. A
college degree represents
years of hard work. It requires
dedication to a goal and a will-
ingness to put aside those ac-
tivities which may be all right
in themselves but which stand
in the way of achieving a larger
purpose.
Going to college also means
exposing ourselves to great
ideas and engaging in a quest
for knowledge and truth. There
are risks involved as we are
forced to examine our views in
the light of some larger truth
that we had not previously
known. Sometimes it can be a
painful experience, as when we
have to give up some cherished
notion that we thought was
woven into the very fabric of
life; but always there are
greater rewards, both intellec-
tual and spiritual, awaiting us
as we continue to discover new
insights and explore new vistas
of understanding. The excite-
ment of learning and growing,
which ought to begin in college,
can be a life-long experience
for the minister of Jesus Christ.
How tragic it is that some
want to take up this calling and
bring to it a "know it all" at-
titude. It is amazing how quick-
ly a young man begins to think
of himself as a divine oracle
whose pronouncements and
judgments are not to be ques-
tioned. He gets terribly upset if
members of his congregation
raise any objection to his public
statements or if they fail to re-
spond to every proposal he
makes. He is more likely to act
that way if he feels insecure
about his own worth and about
his authority as a minister.
This insecurity derives in part
from the lack of preparation he
brings to his task.
(Continued Next Week)
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
The Rev. Philip Wood an-
nounces that he now has a
change of address. It is P.O.
Box 226, Cove City, North
Carolina 28523.
"HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
5
BONHOEFFER:
THE MAN AND HIS THEOLOGY
by Calvin Mercer
(A 93- minute film on Dietrich Bonhoeffer will be shown
at 7 : 30 p.m., March 2, in the Mount Olive College Auditorium.
The film is sponsored by the College Department of Religion
and admission is free.)
"When Christ calls a man, he bids him
come and die." That line, written by Dietrich
Bonhoeffer, sums up an important part of his
theology. It also proved to be quite prophetic.
On April 9, 1945, Bonhoeffer was taken from his
prison cell and hanged by Hitler's officials for
his participation in the resistance movement
against Nazism.
Through his books on the church,
discipleship, and ethics, and through his letters
and papers smuggled from prison, Bonhoeffer
became known to the wider Christian world.
His disciplined theological mind and humane
spirit combined with the mystique surrounding
his life have made him an influential thinker in
contemporary Protestant theology.
Born February 4, 1906, in Breslau, Ger-
many, he was the son of a noted professor of
psychiatry. Having decided to enter the
pastorate by age 16, he set out to prepare
himself for the task of Christian ministry. He
attended universities at Tubingen and Berlin
where he studied under important biblical
scholars and theologians. Friends from his stu-
dent days remember him as one who willingly
learned from his teachers. At the same time he
exhibited the independence of mind to engage
them in theological debate and to arrive at his
own judgments. Although he never studied with
Karl Barth, Bonhoeffer was influenced by
Barth's neo-orthodox theology and as a result
became increasingly critical of the liberalism
prevailing in Germany in the early part of this
century. Barth himself later left Germany
because he, as a university professor, would
not sign an oath of personal loyalty to Hitler.
Following his formal education in Ger-
many, Bonhoeffer became assistant minister to
a German-speaking congregation in Spain. The
church doubled in size as he threw himself into
youth work, pastoral visitation, and occasional
preaching responsibilities.
Before settling down in a teaching position
offered to him in Berlin, the young theologian
studied for a year at Union Theological
Seminary in New York City. He was unim-
pressed with American theology, which he sa^l
as lacking depth; but he did come to apprecial
the social concern of many theology students
Union. He saw first-hand the plight of black
people in America and came to believe that
Christianity must come into contact with dailji
life at every point. These American ex-
periences prepared him well for his later strui
gle on behalf of German Jews and others op- i
pressed by Hitler.
Back in Germany, Bonhoeffer sided with
the Confessing Church (which generally op- j
posed Hitler) and became an early and vocal i
critic of Nazism. A radio address he was givirJ
two days after Hitler became chancellor (19331
was cut off the air before completion because J
of its criticism of the desire for a leader that i
was developing in Germany. In this same yeai:
he became discouraged at the way many Ger-i
man Christians supported Hitler. As a result h
took a leave of absence from his teaching post*
at the University of Berlin in order to pastor
two small German-speaking congregations in
London.
The London period was a time when he ex
panded and deepened his friendships with
Christian leaders outside Germany. Many of
these friends were made through the
ecumenical movement and Bonhoeffer served
for some years as youth secretary for the
World Alliance for Promoting International
Friendship through the Churches. The friends
and contacts made through his ecumenical
work were a valuable asset later as those Ger-
man Christians opposing Hitler sought support
and encouragement from Christians outside
Germany.
Upon returning home in 1935, he became
director of a seminary at Finkenwalde in what
is now Poland. (His teaching post at the univer
sity was eventually withdrawn because of his
opposition to Hitler.) The seminary, establishe'
6
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS
the Confessing Church, was outlawed by the
jjestapo in 1937. Bonhoeffer, however, con-
nued to train young men in the Christian
iinistry at the "illegal" seminary until 1940.
'he seminary was an interesting experiment in
geological education. The students lived
Hgether in an old house where they attended
tctures by Bonhoeffer, read widely, wor-
liped, sang the Psalms in unison, and visited
lie sick in nearby communities. As a member
I the community each student shared in the
\hsks of cooking and cleaning. Bonhoeffer tried
»:» achieve the "proper balance between work
sid worship, the academic and the practical,
Itscipline and freedom."
K A vital— and required— part of life in the
brother- house" was half an hour of silent
ihayer and meditation each morning and eve-
ning. At first many students rebelled against
lis rule. What were they to do with this hour
Iph day? Could they smoke or maybe do their
udies or even polish their shoes? No, said
ipnhoeffer. They were to pray and meditate,
mis devotional time became one of the most
ijeasured features of the seminary. The
riritual depth and practice it fostered carried
ijiany of the seminary graduates through the
3ng and difficult years ahead.
Out of his long interest in the doctrine of
ie church (he wrote his dissertation on the
aurch) and his experiences with the seminary,
ipnhoeffer wrote Life Together. Published in
»38, it deals with the power of life lived in
immunity and the need for Christians to be
Elated to each other in Christ. The community
I believers exhibits a genuine thankfulness
nd its corporate worship flows into and out of
ilprsonal worship. Types of ministry dealt with
elude meekness, listening, helpfulness, bear-
:g, and holding one's tongue. The ministry of
roclaiming comes only when one has learned
I minister at the other levels. Picking up on
ie admonition of James (5:16) to "confess
;5ur sins one to another" and of Jesus to be
iconciled to your brother (Matthew 5:23, 24),
onhoeffer discussed the nature and impor-
ince of confession, a regular practice at the
brother-house." Confession between brothers
I Christ is a way of returning to community
id enriching the worship life of the church.
Bonhoeffer's most famous book, The Cost
r Discipleship, was published in 1937. A study
f the Sermon on the Mount and other pas-
jiges, it centers around the theme of Christian
iscipleship. He draws a distinction
atween "cheap grace," which the church too
:ten preaches, and the "costly grace" of
hrist:
' Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without re-
quiring repentance, baptism without church discipline,
Communion without confession, absolution without
personal confession. Cheap grace is grace without
discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without
Jesus Christ, living and incarnate . . . Such grace is
costly because it calls us to follow, and it is grace
because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly
because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because
it gives a man the only true life . . . Above all, it is cost-
ly because it cost God the life of his Son ... it is grace
because God did not reckon his Son too dear a price to
pay for our life ....
As restrictions and persecutions in Hitler's
Germany became more severe, Bonhoeffer was
invited in 1939 to America, away from the
danger. American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr
planned to find him a teaching position in this
country. After only a few weeks in the United
States, however, he felt compelled to return to
his homeland and share the fate of his people.
As the years wore on, he became more
deeply involved in the resistance movement by
actively helping Jews escape the horror, and
eventually sympathizing with groups planning
to assassinate the Fuehrer. This final step was
an agonizingly painful one for him to take. He
had long held pacifist views and only reluctant-
ly and with the belief that it was the lesser of
evils did he become involved in efforts to over-
throw the Nazi regime.
Prohibited from speaking or publishing,
Bonhoeffer several times traveled outside Ger-
many to seek support for the resistance move-
ment among his Christian friends and to com-
municate the extent of Hitler's oppression of
the church. His contacts with G. K. A. Bell,
Visser't Hooft, and others in the ecumenical
movement provided an important link between
the Christians resisting Hitler and the church
outside Germany.
He was arrested by the Gestapo in 1943, for
his role in the resistance movement and thus
began his two-year long imprisonment. For 18
months he was held in Tegel Military Prison
near Berlin. To pass the long hours, he read
widely in music, literature, history, science,
philosophy, and theology. His abiding faith to
God and devotion to fellow man won him
friends among the fellow prisoners and
wardens. A fellow prisoner wrote, "Bonhoeffer
was different; just quite calm and normal,
seemingly perfectly at his ease . . . his soul
really shone in the dark desperation of our
prison." With the help of guards, he smuggled
to friends outside various letters and papers.
Some of these have been collected into a book
and entitled Letters and Papers from Prison.
These later writings are puzzling because
they contain ideas which this promising
theologian never fully developed. Phrases like
"religionless Christianity," "the God who for-
sakes us," "Jesus as the man for others," "the
God of the gaps," and "the world come of age"
(Continued on Page 20)
HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
7
News 81 Notes
Concert at Bethany Church
Jack Bircher
Julia and Jack Bircher will
be in concert at Bethany
Church, near Winterville, Sun-
day night, February 26, at 7
p.m. The Birchers presented a
very special program of music
at the last session of the North
Carolina State Convention of
Original Free Will Baptists.
The Birchers will be choosing
selections from the following
titles for their marimba and
piano concert of praise:
"Blessed Assurance," "What a
Friend We Have in Jesus," "In
the Garden," "Love Medley,"
"Jesus Medley," "My
Tribute," "Saviour, Like a
Shepherd Lead Us," "Holy
Spirit, Thou Art Welcome in
This Place," "Jesus Lord to
Me," "Joyful," "How Great
Thou Art," and "Brethen, We
Have Met to Worship."
A cordial invitation is ex-
tended to the public to hear this
talented couple.
Sunday School
Leadership Training
There will be a Sunday school
training course taught by the
Rev. David C. Hansley, pastor
of the First Free Will Baptist
Mission of Wilmington, at
Daly's Chapel Church, Seven
Springs. The course began
Thursday night, February 16,
8
at 7:30 p.m. and will continue
each Thursday as follows:
Thursday, February 23, March
1, and March 8. The course will
consist of the following topics:
A. "Teaching Techniques," B.
"Six Steps to Church Growth,"
C. "Caring Church Growth,"
Mount Olive College
and D. "Organized for Churcl
Growth."
Mr. Hansley is working aJ
seminar director for the Homd
Missions and Church GrowttJ
Department. Anyone desiring
to participate is invited to at
tend.
COLLEGE HALL CHAIRS REACH TOTAL OF 742
During the week ending February 13, sixty-two (62) conventiorj
chairs were contributed to Mount Olive College for use in College
Hall. These chairs bring to 742 the number contributed to date. I
The College is seeking gifts of $50 each for a total of 800 chairs
for use at conventions and other church-related events. Chairs maji
be given in honor or in memory of persons chosen by the donors.
Forthcoming events of interest to Free Will Baptists already
scheduled for College Hall include :
February 28 Pierson Lecture by Nido Qubein, President of Creative Ser-
vices, High Point, North Carolina
March 9 World Missions Rally sponsored by the Foreign Mission
Board, Harold Jones, Director
March 31 North Carolina State Sunday School Convention, Stanley
Jenkins, President
May 10 North Carolina State Woman's Auxiliary Convention,
Happy Taylor, President
May 11 Mount Olive College Graduation
May 18-20 North Carolina State Youth Convention, Becky Jo Sumner,
Director
September 11-13 North Carolina State Convention of Original Free Will Bap- i
tists, Gary M. Bailey, President
The main floor of College Hall will seat 2,000 people (800 in con-
vention chairs and 1,200 in the bleachers). In case of over-flow au-
diences, several hundred additional persons can be accommodated1
in the 480-foot balcony which surrounds the arena.
Summary of Convention Chairs Through February 13
Needed
Gifts to Date
Balance
800 Chairs ($50 each)
742 Chairs
58 Chairs
Donors February 7-13
Donors
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Lancaster, Goldsboro
Free Spirit Church, Wilson
In Memory of Norman Willis
By Arapahoe Sunday School Class Number 11,
Arapahoe
In Memory of Mrs. Dell Willis
By Arapahoe Sunday School Class Number 11,
Arapahoe
In Memory of Roland Humphrey
By Arapahoe Sunday School Class Number 11,
Arapahoe
Core Creek Church, Cove City
In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. Weldon Fulcher
By Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Davis, Morehead City
In Memory of Mrs. Mo tie Bell Cherry
By Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Davis, Morehead City
In Honor of the Rev. Robert Fader
By British Chapel Woman's Auxiliary, Kinston
In Honor of Dr. O. B. Jones
By Holly Springs Woman's Auxiliary, Newport
Number
of Chairs
1
2
1
$40,000
37,100;
$ 2,900
Amount
$ 50
100
50
50
50
200
50
50
50
50
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
n Honor of Mrs. O. B. Jones
By Holly Springs Woman's Auxiliary, Newport
n Memory of the Rev. Willie Stilley
By Sallie Dawson, Janet Brown and Cynthia Wood,
La Grange
n Honor of the Rev. and Mrs. Melvin Everington
By Heath Memorial Bible Class of White Oak Grove,
La Grange
Ir. and Mrs. Willem van der Plas, Arapahoe
i Honor of Mrs. Mary Aldridge
By Mr. and Mrs. Richard Henderson, Ellerbee
n Memory of Mrs. Cora Foyles
By Mr. and Mrs. Richard Henderson, Ellerbee
h Memory of John W. Mallard and Dora Arnold Mallard
By Mrs. Murray Wade Boyette, Trenton; and Mr.
Jessie P. Mallard, Pollocksville
It Memory of Robert and Odessa Boyette
By Mrs. Murray Wade Boyette and Family, Trenton
!i Memory of Joseph A. Newberry
By Union Chapel Church, Plymouth
.ji Memory of David E. Craddock
By Union Chapel Church, Plymouth
iew Haven Sunday School, Ernul
li Memory of Claude S. Hinnant
By Mrs. Martha V. Hinnant, Pikeville
/oman's Auxiliary, First Church, Goldsboro
k Memory of the Rev. Willie Stilley
By Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Williams Jr., Merritt
f Memory of Harold House
By Mrs. Blanche House, Selma
I Memory of J. B. Jones
By Daly's Chapel Young Adult Sunday School Class,
Seven Springs
i Honor of the Rev. and Mrs. David W. Hansley
By Daly's Chapel Woman's Auxiliary, Seven Springs
!i Memory of Mr. Martin Still
By Mrs. Martin Still, Blakely, Georgia
ji Memory of Mrs. Ella Barnes
By Mount Zion Woman's Auxiliary, Bayboro
i Honor of Elizabeth Simpson
By Bridge ton Woman's Auxiliary, Bridge ton
\ Memory of Mrs. Eula Clayton
By Mrs. Grace Sawyer and Mrs. Naomi Jones, Belhaven
I Memory of Mr. T. E. Clayton
By Mrs. Grace Sawyer and Mrs. Naomi Jones, Bel-
! haven
k Honor of Jan Pittman
! By Nancy Boykin, Wilson
k Honor of Shelia Windham
! By Nancy Boykin, Wilson
ft Honor of Dr. Pepper Worthington
By Jan Pittman, Raleigh; and Nancy Boykin, Wilson
i Memory of Frances S. Sanderson
By Dr. W. C. Sanderson and Mr. Gary Sanderson,
) Goldsboro
i Honor of Mrs. Flonnie S. Baysden
By Mr. Lee Baysden, Chinquapin
i Honor of Mr. Lee Baysden
By Mrs. Flonnie S. Baysden, Chinquapin
Memory of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Sumner
By the Rev. S. A. Smith, BeulavUle
l Memory of the Rev. L. E. Ballard
By Mrs. Gertrude Ballard, Middlesex
i Memory of Richard J. Bryan
By Mrs. Richard Bryan, Bridge ton
aly's Chapel Sunday School, Seven Springs
aly's Chapel Church, Seven Springs
Honor of the Rev. C. H. Overman
By Sound Side Adult League, Columbia
Honor of Mrs. Rachel A. Foreman
By Gene Foreman, Judy Hutton, Linda Leggett, and Naomi
Tankard
(Continued on Page 19)
HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
100
50
50
50
50
50
100
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
Endowment of the Week
ABNER H. AND
MARY RACHAEL B.
MILLER ENDOWMENT
Abner Hilloman Miller
(July 2, 1911,— December 26, 1983)
The Miller Endowment at
Mount Olive College was
established in memory of
Abner H. Miller and in honor of
his wife, Mary Rachael Barnes
Miller of the Rock Ridge com-
munity in Wilson County, North
Carolina.
Abner Miller was a native of
Ahoskie, where for a number of
years he was associated with
Ahoskie Motor Company.
Following four years of
military service during World
War II, he married Mary
Rachael Barnes of Rock Ridge
in 1944 and in 1946 they moved
to Rock Ridge where he re-
mained until his death,
December 26, 1983.
Miller was a prominent
farmer and merchant and an
active member of Marsh
Swamp Church where he was a
member of the Board of
Deacons for sixteen years and
chairman of the Board of
Ushers for thirty years. Mrs.
Miller is organist of the church,
a position she has held for the
past fourteen years.
Miller was also active in com-
munity and civic affairs, in-
cluding fifteen years on the
(Turn the Page)
9
Board of Selective Service of
Wilson County, a member of
the American Legion, a
volunteer fireman and a
member of the Board of Direc-
tors of the Rock Ridge Fire
Department, and eight years of
service on the Board of
Trustees of Wilson Memorial
Hospital.
In addition to his wife, sur-
vivors include Rachael
Elizabeth M. Neller of Atlanta,
Georgia; and James Abner
Miller of Wilson County, two
grandchildren; and a brother,
William J. Miller of Ahoskie.
The Miller Endowment is
composed of memorial gifts to
Mount Olive College. Thus far
contributions have been re-
ceived from nearly one hun-
dred individuals, families,
business firms, civic and
church groups. These funds,
along with future contributions,
will be invested and each year
the earnings will be used as a
memorial to Mr. Miller for the
benefit of the Music Depart-
ment of the College.
MOC BOARD OF TRUSTEES
TO MEET
The next regular meeting of
the Mount Olive College Board
of Trustees is scheduled for
Tuesday, February 28, at 9:30
a.m. in College Hall.
A major item of business will
be a report from Dr. Henry L.
Ashmore of Atlanta relative to
the requirements and pro-
cedures for the development of
Mount Olive into a four-year
college. Dr. Ashmore is
Associate Director of the Com-
mission on Colleges of the
Southern Association of Col-
leges and Schools.
MERCER TO SPEAK
Dr. Calvin Mercer, professor
of Religion at Mount Olive Col-
lege, will be guest speaker at
the Cape Fear Ministers'
Sweetheart Banquet which will
be held on Friday, February 24.
The banquet begins at 7 p.m.
and will be held at Holt Lake
Restaurant near Smithfield.
MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE
presents
THE PIERSON LECTURE
Tuesday, February 38, 1984-7:30 p.m.
COLLEGE HALL
On the main campus, Mount Olive, North Carolina
NIDO QUBEIN
Our Challenge in the 80's
Lecturer, Author, Businessman,
Radio Personality and Distinguished j
Alumnus of Mount Olive College
PUBLIC IS INVITED
No Admission Charge
Nido Qubein is living proof that America is still the land of op
portunity. He came to the United States in 1966, mastered thl
English language, graduated from Mount Olive College and wen
on to complete graduate studies in Human Relations and Busines
Administration. Qubein is one of the nation's most sought after pre
fessional speakers. He is President of Creative Services, Inc., an<
Nido Qubein and Associates. He has written and edited over 2
leadership books , his latest being Communicate Like a Pro. Fron
High Point, North Carolina, Qubein syndicates a daily radio pre
gram heard around the nation.
Qubein is a native of Jerusalem and he launched his publi
speaking career while a student at Mount Olive College. He helper
to finance his education through a slide presentation on the Hoi;
Land which he presented in various Free Will Baptist churches ant,
to other groups.
The Pierson Lecture Series is the highlight of Mount Olive Col
lege's Cultural Arts and Lecture Series. The Lecture was estab
lished in 1965 by Dr. Mary Bynum Borgognoni in memory of he:
late husband, Dr. William Whatley Pierson. Dr. Pierson was a long
time Dean of the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill). H
was one of North Carolina's finest educators, scholars, and ad
ministrators. The Pierson Lecture Series is a fitting memorial to j
man who worked tirelessly to promote quality and excellence to
Southern higher education.
10
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'
WORLD MISSIONS
CONFERENCE AND RALLY
AT J, ROADS IN AND OUT OF NORTH CAROLINA LEAD TO MOUNT OLIVE
COLLEGE, MARCH 9, 1984, FOR THE WORLD MISSIONS CONFERENCE AND
RALLY SPONSORED BY THE BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS.
MOUNT OLIVE
COLLEGE
From everywhere people are getting excited and making plans to attend.
pONFERENCE FEATURES
daytime Sessions— Downtown Campus
9:00— 9:30 Prayer for Conference and Rally
(for early arrivers)
Coffee and Donuts
"Will Those Who've Never Heard
the Gospel Go To Hell?" (Dr. Wil-
liam Bennett)
Question and Answer Session
Lunch Break, Cafeteria open
"World Missions, the Pastor and
the Local Church" (Dr. William
Bennett)
Break
Film, "First Fruits"
Banquet open to everyone. If you
plan to attend, let us know by
March 1, 1984.
All who attend the seminars will receive a
pmplimentary copy of Missionary Education
Helps for the Local Church.
9:30- 9:55
.0:00-11:30
1:30-11:45
1:45- 1:00
1:00- 2:30
2:30- 2:45
2:45- 4:00
5:30- 7:00
RALLY FEATURES
College Hall- 7: 30 P.M.
Message— Dr. William Bennett
Testimony— Phil Shepard, vice president, State
Youth Convention; applicant for summer
missionary service in the Philippines
Commissioning— van der Plas Family for Philip-
pines
Special Music— "Damascus Way," Trinity Free
Will Baptist Church, Clayton, North Caro-
lina
JoAnn Pennington, Guyla Evans, and Alice
Hines, three members of the "Original Hines
Cousins" of Winterville
Special Tribute to the late Rev. C. F. Bowen.
Let's Fill College Hall for
this great service!
There will not be a registration fee for the Conference. An offering will be received during the
Rally to cover the expenses for the Conference and help pay for the van der Plas Family's
trip to the Philippines. Remember this as you give.
EVERYONE IS INVITED TO ATTEND!
TfflS CONFERENCE AND RALLY ARE A MUST FOR EVERY
FREE WILL BAPTIST. COME, AND BRING A
LARGE NUMBER FROM YOUR CHURCH.
CHE FREE WILL BAPTIST
11
Home Missions
MEMBERS OF WILMINGTON
MISSION EXCITED ABOUT
NEW BEGINNING
by Violet K. Yarborough
In the beginning, God— and
so is our new beginning, God.
Because truly God has be-
stowed upon us so many of His
richest blessings! Just when we
were at the point of closing the
doors of the Wilmington Church
after having seemingly lost
the battles— God, yes God-
reached down His loving
hands — and miracle upon
miracle have been unveiled
before our eyes! With God be-
ing at the head of any endeavor,
surely miracles are bound to be
performed.
We of the Original Free Will
Baptist denomination are
directed by groups of dedicated
and consecrated Christian
leaders, ministers, and
laymen— namely, the Eastern
Conference Missions and the
Home Missions and Church Ex-
tension Department of our Con-
vention. Together, they literal-
ly rescued our church from its
many trials and misfortunes.
The Eastern Conference
leaders ask that member-
church properties be jointly
deeded between the conference
and the local church. It's this
factor which actually saved the
properties. After having been a
well-established and self-
supporting Original Free Will
Baptist church for approx-
imately thirty-two years, our
attendance became infiltrated
with persons from denomina-
tions other than Original Free
Will Baptist who, in fact, would
have taken the building and
properties had this factor not
been established between the
conference and the local
church. Subsequently, upon the
recommendation of the con-
ference, we reverted to mission
status, and we are on the road
to recovery. Therefore, we at
the Wilmington Mission
especially thank the Rev. Ray
Wells, chairman, and the Rev.
Charles Crisp, executive direc-
tor, both of Home Missions and
Church Extension, as well as
the Rev. Walter Sutton of the
Eastern Conference Missions
Board, for their many prayers
and joint efforts and their godly
directed leadership.
This New Year brings with it
good tidings and great joy to us
who are instrumental in this
amazing— almost unbeliev-
able—work here in the Wil-
mington Mission. Time con-
suming, yes— but it feels so
good when you know you are
carrying out God's wonderfi1!
plan by taking the best care
His house.
Every flock needs a shej*
herd— and with thankfulness'
and humble hearts, we thairt
God for sending us a pasto
The members here at the Fud
Free Will Baptist Mission fe
that to be successful in our net
beginning— so named by one <
our local youths— we fin*
needed a full-time pastor, ori
residing here in Wilmingtoi
Therefore, after much prayej
and careful consideration V
the Eastern Conference Mir
sions, the Home Missions an1
Church Extension, the chose'
minister, the Rev. Davi'
Charles Hansley, and his evei1
faithful and supporting wife-
Sylvia, came to us on March 1('
1983. Under the leadership (j
our new pastor, we have see1
many miraculous changes tak;
place. David Charles Hansle
is truly a man on fire for tW
Lord. He, in all probability
doesn't sleep at night for thinl'
ing of ways to serve the Lord'
But, certainly that's what w
needed here in the Wilmingto
Mission. He recognize
dedicated persons serving th
Lord to the best of their abilitj
whether the individual be on
youngest little seven-year-ol
12
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'
usher or the eldest bench
rmer. He realizes it takes us
to make our work a loving
d harmonious institution for
I; Lord. Incidentally, since
I cache r David Charles' first
Inday with us, there have
■ en only three Sundays
Ithout at least one visitor! Our
lltendance has doubled, and
le Sunday school percentage
| probably one of the highest
I nong Original Free Will Bap-
ts, averaging 95%. Also, our
lerings are continually in-
easing.
Another important factor is
at the Home Missions and
lurch Extension Department
>ng with the Eastern Con-
rence Missions worked
ligently between themselves
d with us concerning our
lancial status on previous ex-
iting loans on our church
floperties. They negotiated
|w arrangements so a par-
inage could be purchased. The
iven-room ranch-style brick
|me, conveniently located in a
immunity within a mile of the
mrch, greets whoever visits
fth the ancient sign of
ijplcome, the pineapple. You
re cordially invited to come
sit our pastor and his family
i^id see our lovely parsonage.
Beautifying the church in its
jitirety has required the joint
tforts of us all along with past
|embers and friends. We've
iiet for numerous appointed
orkdays, and several have
|>me on their own personal
me. We have renovated and
dw finally have a long-needed
^llowship hall. Designated
pntributions were given
♦ward paint affording us the
pportunity to do interior and
icterior painting, especially in
ie educational department,
jur painters included men,
fomen, and children! You
iiould see my painting cap and
loves! It's amazing how many
ot dogs and soft drinks our
ouths, and we adults, con-
umed during our lunch
reaks! The cotton candy was
elicious, too.
Numerous gifts and contribu-
tions have been donated in-
cluding:
1. Sunday School Literature,
provided by the Beaverdam
Free Will Baptist Church of
Chadbourn of the Pee Dee
Association.
2. Mimeograph Machine,
given by the Little Rock Free
Will Baptist Church, Lucama,
of the Western Conference.
3. New Church Sign given by
the Rev. O. B. Everette, de-
signed, built, and erected by
the members.
4. A Lighted Cross for the
front of the building, built and
erected by one of the members.
5. A heavy-duty Lawnmower
and Weed-eater.
6. Maps of the Holy Land for
our educational department.
7. A Dodge Van, donated by
Mr. John Underhill, a member
of our mission.
In August, our mission was
the setting for the Ordination
and Commissioning Service of
Mr. Michael Akers of Jackson-
ville, Florida, with the Ordain-
ing Council of the Eastern Con-
ference officiating. It was a
most unique service as Mr.
Akers was being commissioned
as a chaplain for the Armed
Forces.
The eighty-eighth session of
the Eastern Conference con-
vened at the Wilmington Mis-
sion on October 19 and 20, 1983.
Smiles and Christian love and
harmony were felt throughout
the convention in the pro-
ceedings of our conference
business. The attendance for
the two-day conference was
unusually good. A highlighting
event was the presentation of a
plaque to the Rev. David W.
Hansley, honoring him for
fifty-one years of service as a
minister in the Original Free
Will Baptist denomination. Our
pastor was elected Assistant
Moderator of the Conference
for a two-year term. Recently
re-elected, too, as Clerk of the
Third Union of the Eastern Con-
ference, composed of thirty-two
churches, was Mr. Justin H.
Kornegay. He is a long-time
member and an outstanding
leader of the local mission, and
presently serving as Chairman
of the Deacon Board.
At our first Homecoming on
October 30, 1983, we observed a
most heart-warming service
with the Rev. Orvin B.
Everette, the first pastor, as
guest speaker. Founding
members of the mission were
recognized, including Mrs.
S. A. Hansley. A lovely altar set
was presented by her family to
the mission, in recognition of
the fact that she had mortgaged
her own home for the mission to
obtain monies to purchase the
first property for a church
building. The Rev. O. B.
Everette was recognized as be-
ing the first pastor. Brother
Everette's family donated a
portrait of him, to be hung in an
appropriate place within the
educational department. The
Rev. Charles Crisp, director of
our Home Missions and Church
Extension, presented Mr.
Everette with a Certificate of
Accomplishment for his work
in beginning six missions, all of
which are on-going churches.
Worship concluded with prayer
and dedication of the new
church sign, followed by lunch
served in our new fellowship
hall.
On Christmas Eve, we
celebrated the birth of Jesus
Christ in a service of Carols and
Candles at the mission, fol-
lowed by refreshments and
Open House at the parsonage.
New Year's Day was
highlighted with an Old-
fashioned luncheon of
backbone, black-eyed peas, and
desserts immediately following
worship service. It's always
good to have been in the House
of the Lord for worship service,
but especially one followed by a
Free Will Baptist eatin
meetin' !
In the planning stage are
many hopefuls for our mission.
The Eastern Conference course
(Continued on Page 19)
HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
13
Children's Home
JUST PLAIN FUN
Can you remember how you felt when you experienced your
first wiener roast? YOU were in full control! Just the thought of
glazing your own hot dog just the way YOU liked it gave you a feel-
ing of childhood fascination that you never forgot (especially if the
glaze came out a little darker than you thought it would). Perhaps
if you use just a little imagination you can see that same fascination
in the photograph.
God has given us so much. Having facilities like our Recrea-
tional Building allows our children the pleasures of recreational ac-
tivites during inclement weather. You have made all of this possi-
ble. But a question comes to mind as we think of the facility through
which we are ministering. How long has it been since you have
visited YOUR child care ministry? You have given (and are giv-
ing) and we thank you for your investment into the lives of children.
"VALENTINE'S DAY:
EXPRESSIONS OF LOVE"
God is love! When one says
that, it is almost impossible for
the human mind to comprehend
the meaning of the words.
When we speak of God's love,
we do not mean love that is
romantic, passionate, or
possessive. We mean a love
that gives more than it takes.
This kind of love can be given to
a stranger, to someone we have
never seen, or to an enemy. It is
God's love, freely given, that
makes it possible for human be-
ings to respond to or express
love.
One cannot escape the fact
that the need to be loved and to
14
love is at the very heart of our
children, here at the Children's
Home. Through our child care
71
ministry, a child feels love
the atmosphere around him,
the relationships of those nealj
to him, in the tenderness <
touch and tone, and in the cai
ing for his needs. It is impoi
tant for our children to knov
that whatever is happening t
them at any given moment (
time, love never ends.
During this Valentine seasoi
two of our residents dre^
hearts to express the lov
and security that they fe<
here. These children displaye
these drawings without bein
prompted to do so. They es
pressed love as being thf
following: "Love is havint
somebody you can trust" ant
"Love is being around peop]
that cares for you." Theil
understanding of love ei>
presses the love and care tluj
we strive to set forth for thos!
children who are in need. Wj
would like to extend an invitaj
tion to you to love!
SINCERE THANKS
We would like to express ou
sincere appreciation to thos
who responded to our pilkv
drive : Marlboro Auxiliarj
Aspen Grove League, an
Piney Grove Sunday Scho<
Class #8 (Pitt County). Yo
have helped us to provide
very essential need for tn
children in our care.
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS
Sunday School Lesson
Ifor February 26
THE SERVICE
GOD SEES
esson Text: Isaiah 58:5-11
yiemory Verse: Micah 6:8
((Solomon's temple was
■estroyed and the people of
udah were exiles in a foreign
ind. Without the temple and
le opportunity to offer animal
•kcrifices, worship as it had
Keen conducted through the
i tears was no longer possible,
li/ould the Jews, for this reason,
aase to be a people of God?
i pis was a possibility, but ac-
kally the exile served to
trengthen Judaism in two
[gnificant ways. One was that
(iey came more and more to be
The People of the Book." The
;mple was gone but they had
te sacred Scriptures, and to
jiese they gave more and more
ttention. The other was that
worship of God tended in the
irection of the personal, in-
jjividual relationship.
i These developments were
beneficial, but at the same time
hey presented the possibility of
buse. On the one hand was the
ianger that the study of the
Vord would result in a purely
scademic pursuit. On the other,
personal religion could well
jecome an exercise in self-
(lorification. To a degree, both
Jf these aberrations did
levelop. Our lesson is con-
ierned with the second, the
natter of personal religion.
1 Specifically, our text deals
lath fasting, but its basic
eaching goes far beyond that
o the matter of attitude,
riotive, and purpose in per-
onal worship. More than this,
ind this is the heart of the
esson, it makes clear that no
eligious expression has any
validity unless the life of the
vorshiper is characterized by
food deeds. Religious practice
:annot possibly have meaning
ipart from godly living.
In the Mosaic Law fasting
(referred to as "afflicting one's
soul") was prescribed only on
the Day of Atonement
(Leviticus 16:29, 31). After the
exile, however, four other an-
nual fasts were kept
(Zechariah 8:19), com-
memorating disasters the Jews
had experienced. Otherwise,
fasting, either individual or
corporate, might be undergone
for some particularly signifi-
cant occasion. For example,
Moses fasted on Mount Sinai
when the Law was given, seem-
ingly as befitting the serious
nature of the event. The nation
was sometimes called to fast
when danger threatened, while
personal fasting frequently ac-
companied the mourning for
the dead.
At other times the fast was
directed toward receiving help
from God (2 Samuel 12:16-23).
Some came to look upon fasting
as a certain means of securing
God's favor. Our lesson in-
dicates unequivocally that
more than this is required. The
people fasted and were faithful
in performing other religious
"duties." They professed to be
concerned about instruction
from the Lord. Yet they com-
plained that God was not taking
any note of them and they
wanted to know why (Isaiah
58:1-4). — Standard Lesson
Commentary
For March 4
JESUS BEGINS
HIS MINISTRY
Lesson Text: Mark 1:14-28
Memory Verse : Mark 1 : 15
Mark's account of the "begin-
ning of the gospel of Jesus
Christ" (1:1) takes up at the
point where his Roman readers
would be most concerned— with
the mighty works of Jesus'
public ministry. For some thir-
ty years before this, however,
Jesus had prepared for that
ministry. The first two
chapters of Luke tell of Jesus'
birth, of His being presented in
the temple as an infant, and of
His eager conversation with the
teachers of the Law at the age
of twelve. All the Gospel
writers tell something of John
the Baptist's preparatory min-
istry, and the first three tell of
Jesus' baptism. Matthew and
Luke tell rather fully of Jesus'
being tempted in the wilder-
ness. This happened in Judea.
The second chapter of John
tells of an early visit to Galilee,
including Jesus' first miracle
at a wedding feast in Cana.
Back in Judea, Jesus
ministered for a time and
became known for His miracles
before Nicodemus came at
night to confer with Him (John
3:1, 2).
Moving northward from
Judea, Jesus declared His
messiahship to a Samaritan
woman at Sychar, and re-
mained in that village for two
days before going on to Galilee.
The writings of Josephus, as
well as the Gospels, draw a
fascinating picture of Jesus'
Galilee. Lying west of the Jor-
dan River and the sea that
bears its name, Galilee was a
busy, thriving area, intensely
cultivated and dotted with
populous villages. Pottery,
weaving, and glass manufac-
ture, as well as fishing, trading,
and farming, kept its people
busy. Its population at that
time has been estimated at
some two million, in some 240
villages within an area com-
parable to one of Ohio's larger
counties. The synagogues were
surely numerous and well at-
tended.— Standard Lesson
Commentary
NO BAPTIST
Due to our policy of printing
only 48 issues a year, there will
not be a Free Will Baptist paper
dated February 29. The next
issue will be March 7.
[HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
15
Family Devotion^
SUNDAY,
36
FEBRUARY
Scripture Reading— Numbers 30, 31
DON'T FORGET PAST MERCIES
There was an old lady who dearly loved her
Lord. She delighted to speak of His past mercies
and how He had cared for her needs over the
years. When her little reserve of money got low,
however, she became very fearful. "It will not
last long, ' ' she sadly said. A neighbor said to her,
"What has happened to your memory? You used
to tell me so much about the Lord's goodness to
you. Since you have stopped remembering His
past goodness, you have become fearful. You
had better start remembering the Lord's past
mercies! "
Later, the old lady said to her pastor, "What
a much-needed rebuke I received from that
neighbor! And to think she isn't even a Chris-
tian!"
Worry is the advance interest you pay on troubles that
seldom come.
27
MONDAY,
FEBRUARY
Scripture Reading— Numbers 32, 33
LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED
Though all the world be troubled,
And men's hearts faint with fear
At the danger in the distance
And dangers drawing near;
Though every help should fail them
On which their hopes are stayed,
"Let not your heart be troubled,
Nor let it be afraid."
Though all the earth be troubled,
And its foundations shake,
Though raging seas shall thunder,
And mighty mountains quake ;
Though lofty walls shall crumble
And in the dust be laid,
"Let not your heart be troubled,
Nor let it be afraid."
Though all your way be troubled,
And bounds and landmarks lost,
Though on the stormy billows
Your little bark be tossed,
Though all around be changing,
Here let your mind be stayed,
"Let not your heart be troubled,
Nor let it be afraid. "
TUESDAY, o8
FEBRUARY
Scripture Reading— Numbers 34, 35
A SPIRITUAL ST. VITUS
Thank God, some dear old things do ri
change. We work ourselves into a mental ai
spiritual St. Vitus. We make mountains out of o
molehill concerns and think wisdom will die wi
us. It is refreshing to remember that, long aft
our stormy issues have been forgotten, pla
things like spring and mockingbirds endui
Why so hot, little man? You are dizzy fro
modernity's merry-go-round. Your storming ai
shouting will bring you only high blood pressur
Calm yourself: "the woods are green and tl
mockingbird is singing" back home!
Let me relax, throw open the windows of n
stuffy little soul and let the cooling breezes of
better world sweep through! What will all n
petty worries amount to fifty years from now*!
will rejoice in the old simplicities which no mj
can take away— like spring and green woods ai
mockingbirds.
And, better still, I will rest my soul in the goodness ofG\
and His amazing grace, that saves a poor sinner like me.
WEDNESDAY,
FEBRUARY
29
Scripture Reading— Numbers 36
GREEN PASTURES
Last night I started counting sheep
When I had gone to bed,
For I had worries large and small
Which drove sleep from my head.
The sheep had many little lambs,
And these I counted too ;
Thus through the flock I went until
The shepherd came in view.
And then I thought, "Why spend my time
In simply counting sheep
When I can walk with Him and pray
For folk who cannot sleep?"
I walked with Him a while, and then
He smiled and said to me,
"Look back; where are your worries now?'
But not one could I see!
16
Worry, like a rocking chair, will give you something
do, but it won't get you anywhere.
THURSDAY, 1
MARCH
Scripture Reading— Deuteronomy 1, 2
USELESS ANXIETY
A couple started off to ride to a friend. Tl
morning was pleasant, and they enjoy<
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS
mselves until they happened to remember a
/Jrtain bridge which was very old and probably
iisafe. "I shall never dare to go over that
lidge," exclaimed the wife; "and we can't get
Eross the river any other way ! " "Oh," said the
Ian, "I forgot that bridge. It is a bad place ; sup-
jise it should break through and we should fall
o the water and be drowned! " "Or," said the
man, adding to his complaint, "suppose you
ould step on a rotten plank and break your leg;
at would become of me and the baby?" "I
n't know," responded the husband, "what
mid become of any of us, for I couldn't work,
ml we should all starve to death!" So the
tygubrious talk ran on until they reached the spot
"i/here the old bridge had stood— and lo, they
Irfscovered that since they had been there it had
lien replaced with a new one !
It is a workman pausing a moment to listen
to a strain of music.
|| All their anxiety had been worse than useless.
JRIDAY, 9
JIARCH *
Iripture Reading— Deuteronomy 3, 4
DEEPFREEZE WORSHIP
Operation Deepfreeze was the U.S. Navy's
icpedition to the Antarctic where intrepid men
tere bedded down at Little America and where
ie temperature went to ninety degrees below
;ro. Dr. Paul A. Siple, a scientist, was a
iember of the exploration group. He radioed a
lessage to the Friendship Bible Class which he
lught at the Calvary Baptist Church,
/ashington, DC, saying, "We are having
Bgular Sunday services in which Scripture is
jad and hymns are sung."
A London housewife had the correct idea,
ver the sink in the kitchen of her small apart-
lent she hung a motto which read: "Divine wor-
lip conducted here three times daily! "
Though we may worship God anywhere, there is no
tbstitute for collective worship in God's house on the Lord's
kyt: "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as
,e manner of some is; but exhorting one another" (Hebrews
1:25).
;aturday, „
iIARCH
cripture Reading— Deuteronomy 5-7
WHAT IS WORSHIP?
It is the soul searching for its counterpart.
It is a thirsty land crying out for rain.
It is a man listening through a tornado for
he Still Small Voice.
It is a sheep lost in the wilderness pleading
or rescue by the Good Shepherd.
It is a soul standing in awe before the
nystery of the universe.
It is a poet enthralled by the beauty of
unrise.
It is a hungry heart seeking for love.
It is a man climbing the altar stairs to God.
SUNDAY, d
MARCH *
Scripture Reading— Deuteronomy 8-10
AS GOD SEES IT
A story is told in which a man went to church
with an angel as his guide. Every seat in the
church was filled, but there was something
strange about it all. The organist moved his
fingers over the keys, but no music came forth
from the pipes. The choir arose to sing, and their
lips moved, but not a sound was to be heard. The
pastor stepped to the pulpit to read the Scrip-
tures, but not a sound was heard.
The congregation joined in repeating the
prayer, but not a single sound was heard. The
pastor again stepped to the pulpit, and went
through all the motions of preaching, but the
man with the angel heard nothing. So he turned
to the angel and said,
"What does this mean? I see that a service is
being held, but I hear nothing."
The angel replied, "You hear nothing
because there is nothing to be heard. You see this
service just as God sees it. These are not putting
their hearts into it, and so God hears nothing. He
hears only that which comes from the heart, and
not that which comes from the lips only."
As the angel was speaking, back in the last
pew they heard a child saying, "Our Father,
which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name," etc.
The angel said, "You are hearing the only part of
this service that God hears. He hears this little
child's prayer because she means what she says,
and puts her heart and soul in it."
Enter the place of worship a little before the service
begins. Enter expectantly. God has promised to meet you
there. Whisper a prayer. When the first hymn is announced,
open your hymnal to that place. If you cannot sing, follow the
words. Bow your head and close your eyes during the prayer.
As you give, pray that God will accept the gift. During the
special music, be attentive and prayerful. When the minister
preaches, pray for him and listen attentively. Be silent ex-
cept to sing or to say "Amen!"
MONDAY, k
MARCH
Scripture Reading -Deuteronomy 11-13
WHEN GOD IS BUT A NAME
The Jewish rabbis had an interesting tradi-
tion concerning the withdrawal of God's glory
from the temple. There came a time when the
Shekinah, the holy flame in the cloud, having
waited for His people to return to their God,
(Turn the Page)
"HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
17
V'
departed from the Holy of Holies unto the Mount
of Olives, where it waited for three days, if per-
chance they would repent, and then went "unto
his own place." When such a thing had hap-
pened, all the outer observances and posturings
no longer had any meaning or value. From such
a spiritual "recession," what tragic conse-
quences flow!
Ah, dark the shrine whence Light has gone!
Cold, cold the altar when the flame
Is quenched, and desolate and lone
My soul when God is but a name!
TUESDAY, a
MARCH b
Scripture Reading— Deuteronomy 14-16
A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH
One night a boy stood under a street lamp,
swearing like a sailor. Dr. Homer Stuntz, who
believed in the limitless possibilities of even bad
boys when changed by God's grace, approached
the boy and began jollying with him. The friendly
approach seemed to cause the boy to swear all
the more. Not daunted by the boy's profanity,
and seeing beneath his rough exterior great
potentialities, the gentleman invited him to
become a member of his Sunday school class.
The boy promised to attend, but failed to do so.
The faithful teacher did not become discouraged,
but continued to invite him to his class.
Finally the boy began to attend the class. He
was bullheaded, irreverent, and the "worst boy
in the class." He constantly asked questions
which nobody could answer. Somehow the
faithful and patient teacher saw behind the
tricky questions great intelligence. Time passed.
Then, one day, Dr. Stuntz said, "My boy, how
would you like to go to college?" "The best in the
world," replied the boy with a twinkle in his eye.
He became a student at Northwestern Universi-
ty, where he made good. Later he became a pro-
fessional ball player. One Sunday afternoon he
heard the gospel preached in Chicago's skid row.
He was convicted of sin and converted to the
Saviour.
Who was that boy in whom a Sunday school
teacher saw great possibilities and made an in-
vestment the dividends of which can never be
fully computed this side of the judgment seat of
Christ? Billy Sunday, the world-famed
evangelist, whose faithful preaching and soul-
winning ministry brought many to Christ.
Of that faithful Sunday school teacher, Billy Sunday said
after fame came to him, "You are the one who started me in
the right direction. "
18
WEDNESDAY, - I
MARCH '
Scripture Reading— Deuteronomy 17-20
GIVE TO CHRIST YOUR YOUTHFUL YEARS
A Sunday school teacher became deeply con
cerned for the conversion of a teenage girl in hei!
class. Lovingly and earnestly she spoke to th^
girl on the all-important subject— her soul'i
salvation. The girl listened respectfully. Sh<
decided against Christ, saying that in later yean
she would give consideration to her relationshi]
to Christ. The teacher went away with a sa<
heart. On her way home, she thought of a nove
plan to impress on the girl the unfairness of giv;
ing her youthful years to sin and then turning t<
Christ for forgiveness. Stopping at a florist'!
shop she bought a dozen beautiful roses. She kep
the roses in the florist's box for several days
Then she sent them to the girl. The girl was
elated to receive the gift until she opened the boj
and saw the faded and wilted flowers. "Son*
practical joke has been played on me," she sai(
disgustedly.
Shortly thereafter the teacher called on th<
girl again. The girl told her about the faded roses
she had received. "I sent them," said th<
teacher. "When you chose not to give Christ youi
youthful years, you decided to present to Hiir
later a life faded and withered like those roses!'.
The girl answered, "Teacher, I see it. It will not be thai
way. I will give myself to Christ right now and live for Hit
glory. "
THURSDAY, o
MARCH
Scripture Reading— Deuteronomy 21-23
TELL WHAT CHRIST MEANS TO YOU
An humble layman was asked by his pasto*
to give a talk before a large congregation. "I
have never spoken in public, and I don't see how
I could talk to that large congregation. My knees
would shake and I would become paralyzed with
fear," he said. "You will do all right," said the,
pastor. "Just tell the people how Christ savecj
you and what He means to you." "For Christ's
sake, I'll make the effort," replied the man
When he spoke, all fear vanished.
The people were deeply blessed and greatly challenged
to give their best in service to God.
FRIDAY, Q
MARCH *
Scripture Reading -Deuteronomy 24-27
ALL V.I.P.'S
All have a share in the beauty
All have a part in the plan;
(Continued on Page 19)
THE FREE WILL BAPTISI
MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE
(Continued from Page 9)
Honor of Ervin G. Foreman
gy Gene Foreman, Judy Hutton, Linda Leggett, Faye Jones,
and Naomi Tankard
Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Ackiss
By Mrs. Lloyd Vernon, Mount Olive
In Memory of the Rev. Lloyd Vernon
By Mrs. Lloyd Vernon, Mount Olive
w Honor of Dr. and Mrs. W. Burkette Raper
By Mrs. Lloyd Vernon, Mount Olive
m Honor of the Rev. and Mrs. David W. Hansley
By Mrs. Lloyd Vernon, Mount Olive
In Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Hubert E. Phillips
By Mrs. Lloyd Vernon, Mount Olive
In Memory of Ryan Craig Simmons
By Mr. and Mrs. Fentress Simmons, Creswell
in Memory of Fay A. Evans
By Mr. and Mrs. A. Worth Aycock, Fremont
In Memory of Zelbert Cox
By Mrs. Zelbert Cox, Grifton
In Honor of the Rev. Orvin B. Everett Jr.
By Cabin Woman's Auxiliary, Beulaville
In Memory of Mrs. Cora Mitchell
By the Cora Mitchell Sunday School Class,
First Church, Goldsboro
Totals 82
Note : A gift In Memory of Mr. Robert Lee Summerlin Jr. , was incorrectly reported
in the February 15 issue. The gift was In Memory of Mr. Robert Lee Summerlin
Sr.
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
$3,100
February 28 7:30 p.m.
March 2 7:30 p.m.
March 9
COMING EVENTS
Pierson Lecture in College Hall. Speaker, Nido Qu-
bein of High Point, North Carolina.
"Memories and Prospectives," a film depicting the
life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer; College Auditorium on
the Downtown Campus.
World Missions Conference on the Downtown
Campus.
World Missions Rally in College Hall. Principal
speaker for both events will be Dr. William Ben-
nett, pastor of First Baptist Church, Fort Smith,
Arkansas.
All of the above events are open to the public without admission
charge.
9:30 a.m.
7:30 p.m.
WITNEY THE HOBO
appearing in
Ayden Bible and Bookstore
Saturday, March 10, 1-2:30 p.m.
HOME MISSIONS
(Continued from Page 12)
pertaining to government, doc-
trine, and the history of
Original Free Will Baptists will
be carefully studied. A special
training for Christian service
has been developed for
ministers and laymen for a six-
country area including: New
Hanover, Brunswick, Pender,
Columbus, Bladen, and Onslow.
This program will coordinate
with the Paul Palmer Institute
Program of Mount Olive Col-
lege for those who desire to ob-
tain college credits. The Wil-
mington Mission will be the
center for this training.
There are numerous other
plans in the working toward the
growth of our mission. With
God being the Alpha and
Omega, He will surely be
triumphant— as this little mis-
sion by the wayside glows for
the cause of Christ. Small in
number, but I can vividly
remember, back when we were
down in the dumps and feeling
the agony of defeat, one of our
most outstanding leaders of the
Original Free Will Baptist
denomination, the Rev. David
W. Hansley, said to us while
conducting a business meeting,
"We may not be large in
number— but it's QUALITY—
NOT QUANTITY -that really
counts." We must remember to
PRAY WITHOUT CEASING
and keep on keeping on. We ask
please for each of you to sup-
port Home Missions, and fur-
ther to pray for us, that we may
GROW A CHURCH in the fast-
est growing city in North
Carolina.
We are truly excited about
our new beginning!
First Original Free Will Baptist
Mission
4602 South College Road
Wilmington, North Carolina 28403
Phone: 919-395-2997
Rev. David Charles Hansley, Pastor
5611 Woodridge Road
Wilmington, North Carolina 28403
Phone: 919-395-2466
FAMILY DEVOTIONS
(Continued from Page 18)
What does it matter what duty
Falls to the lot of man?
Someone must blend the plaster
And someone must carry the stone ;
Neither the man nor the master
Ever has builded alone.
Making a roof from the weather
Or building a house for a king,
Only by working together have men
Ever accomplished a thing.
SATURDAY,
MARCH
10
Scripture Reading— Deuteronomy 28
BEING OF USE
One day I looked at myself,
At the self that Christ can see ;
I saw the person I am today,
And the one I ought to be,
I saw how little I really pray,
How little I really do ;
I saw the influence of my life,
How little of it was true !
I saw the bundle of faults and fears
I ought to lay on the shelf ;
I had given a little bit to God-
But I hadn't given myself.
I came from seeing myself,
With my mind made up to be
The sort of person that Christ can use,
With a heart He may always see.
/ am no longer anxious about anything, as I realize the
Lord is able to carry out His will, and His will is mine. It
makes no matter where He places me, or how. That is rather
for Him to consider than for me; for in the easiest positions
He must give me His grace, and in the most difficult, His
grace is sufficient.
Portions selected from Knight's Treasury of Illustrations, Walter B. Knight.
Discount on
All In-stock
Merchandise
Now Given to
Free Will
Baptist
Ministers
(cash sales
only).
19
BONHOEFFER
(Continued from Page 7)
intrigue and stimulate while leaving us uncer-
tain as to what their author really meant. Some
tentative suggestions about his thinking during
this time can be made, however.
He drew a distinction between religion and
Christianity and suggested that man no longer
needs religion, or "the God of gaps," to explain
the unexplainable. God, through the Incarnate
Christ, is in the world and must be recognized
there. God is known through Christ in living
relationship and often in weakness and suffer-
ing. Perhaps his disappointment with the na-
tional church in Germany led to his view that
the church is not an institution; but rather, like
God, incarnate in the world.
In 1944, incriminating documents (connect-
ing Bonhoeffer with the group behind the July
20, 1944, attempt on Hitler's life) were found
which could have led to the execution of
Bonhoeffer and others. Hitler, however, wanted
to torture them in order to trap others involved
in the various plots against his life. After two
transfers, Bonhoeffer was taken to Flossen-
burg, an extermination camp. During these
moves he acted as unofficial chaplain to his
fellow prisoners as he counseled and encour-
aged them in the face of the constant threat of
death.
Finally, a special order came down from
Himmler that Bonhoeffer and others were to be
executed. When they came to take him away,
he sent word to one of his friends, "This is the
end— for me the beginning of life." Following a
mock trial, he was taken outside the camp and
hanged April 9, 1945. The last scene of his life
was recorded by the camp doctor of Flossen-
burg:
On the morning of the day, some time between five and
six o'clock, the prisoners, among them Admiral
Canaris, General Oster and Sack, the Judge Advocate
General, were led out of their cells and the verdicts
read to them. Through the half -open door of a room in
one of the huts I saw Pastor Bonhoeffer, still in his
prison clothes, kneeling in fervent prayer to the Lord
his God. The devotion and evident conviction of being
heard that I saw in the prayer of this intensely cap-
tivating man, moved me to the depths. At the place of
execution, he again said a short prayer and then
climbed the steps to the gallows, brave and composed.
His death ensued after a few seconds. In the almost fif-
ty years that I worked as a doctor, I have hardly ever
seen a man die so entirely submissive to the will of
God.
Several days after his death the camp was
liberated by the Allied forces. A month later,
Nazi Germany fell.
20
///
'1
1
1
\\
=
a
— 1
BOARD OF
FOREIGN
MISSIONS
N.C. STATE CONVENTION OF
ORIGINAL FREE WILL BAPTISTS
Harold Jones, Director- Treasurer
P.O. Box 38
Ayden, NC 28513-0038
Phone (919) 746-4963
T' he van der Plas Family will leave the Raleigh-Durham Airport on March 16,
1984, bound for the Philippines. Let's have all the needed funds for the Palawan
Bible Institute Printing Department Building at that time!
The Foreign Missions Department has been requesting funds for the construction of
this facility since last March. As of this printing, the Department still needs $9,155.48.
This building will be 1,840 square feet and has a construction cost figured at $15 a
square foot. This building is considered to be one of the greatest needs on the field at this
time. The equipment which will be used in the printing operation presently sits idle in
crates while people are dying without the gospel.
As Free Will Baptists, we have done many things during the past year— but we have
not met this need. Let's do so before the van der Plas Family leaves the States.
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
The
1 1- "e Will
The Free Will Baptist
Editorial
CONTENTS
Editorial 2
Feature 3
Weekly Features
Retirement Homes 5
News and Notes 6
Woman's Auxiliary 10
Children's Home 11
Foreign Missions 12
Mount Olive College 14
Family Devotions 16
Sunday School Lesson 18
The Education of the Ministry
In the Free Will Baptist Church 5
A Personal Thank You 13
Volume 99 Number 9
March 7, 1984
Janie Jones Sowers
Editor
Edited and published forty-eight times a year by
the Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811
North Lee Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513-0158.
Second-class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina
(USPS 209-440).
All materials to be placed in any issue must be in
the hands of the editor seven days prior to the
publication date of that issue.
The purpose of this paper is to promote the cause of
Christ among Original Free Will Baptists, and we
reserve the right to refuse any article or news that is
inconsistent with our purpose, programs, or policies,
and that does not reflect a spirit of harmony and
cooperation with the Free Will Baptist Press Foun-
dation and the North Carolina State Convention of
Original Free Will Baptists.
The contents herein do not necessarily reflect the
beliefs or policies of the editor or of The Free Will
Baptist. The responsibility for each article is given
the person whose name appears under the title or to
the person submitting said article.
Items for publication should be addressed to the
Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box 158, Ayden,
North Carolina 28513-0158.
All subscriptions are payable in advance: one
year, $8.84; two years, $16.12; four years, $31.20 (in-
cluding sales tax for North Carolina residents);
residents of other states, $8.50, $15.50 and $30 respec-
tively (plus sales tax where it applies).
Every-Family Plan: A 25 percent discount given
when local churches send the "Baptist" to the home
of every member; names and addresses to be pro-
vided by churches. Churches are billed quarterly.
Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists" are
sent to one individual who in turn distributes these. A
50 percent discount is offered under this plan.
Bookstore Hours: Ayden, Smithfield, and
Whiteville, 9 a.m.— 5 p.m., Monday— Saturday
New Bern, Wilson, and Kinston, 9:30 a.m. — 5 p.m .,
Monday— Saturday.
Board of Directors
Dewey Boling, President; C. Felton Godwin, Vice
President; Ruth Taylor, Secretary; Adrian Grubbs,
Assistant Secretary; Robert May; Eddie Edwards,
Marice DeBruhl; James Billy Hardee; De Wayne
Eakes; David W. Hansley, Chairman Emeritus.
Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.: Cliff
Gray, Executive Director; Bobby Pennington,
Financial Director; Janie Jones Sowers, Editor of
Literature.
Commitment: the Bottom Line
Surely, you've noticed. Whenever anything really impor I
tant needs to be done, a few people do a lot, some do "some,' I
and many do precious little— if anything at all. But if it turns
out well, everyone likes to get the credit. It's almost a fact oi
life.
But you've probably realized this— especially if you are
one of those people who've done more than your share, if you
are one who has given your all because others don't seem to be
able to get their acts together. This whole matter becomes
more disheartening when you see those same people giving
first-rate efforts to second-rate causes, while they give
second-rate efforts to first-rate causes.
Now I call living the Christian life a first-rate cause. At
least that is the way Jesus saw it. He said, "Go, then, to people
everywhere and make them my disciples" (paraphrased);
but He didn't add, "if you have time," "until something better
comes along," "while times are good," "while the children
are home," or even "after you've finished what you are
doing." Affirming Jesus as Lord means taking Him
seriously— but we do not. We prefer playing games— and we
might as well know this is not a winning proposition. Affirming ;
Jesus as Lord means living a committed life.
But commitment is not popular.
At the conclusion of an in-depth Bible study, the par-
ticipants began singing, "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus."
Out of the sea of singing voices, a strong, male voice could be
heard. Speaking into a microphone, the young man asked, "If
you really have decided to follow Jesus, what are you going to
do about it? Can you honestly say you'll follow Him 'no turning
back' like the song says? If not, why are you singing? Are you
sure you know what it means to follow Jesus? It's not easy,
you know. How come you are singing, 'I Have Decided to
Follow Jesus' if you really don't know what that means? Have
you really counted the cost?"
A few people dropped out on the next verse : ' 'Tho none go
with me, I still will follow."
And the speaker continued. "That's a very bold statement
you're making. Do you mean you would have the courage to j
get up from the front of this auditorium and walk out in front of
all of these people if they chose not to follow Jesus but you did?
Are you absolutely willing to be the only one doing what you \
feel you have to do in order to follow Jesus?"
The singing got weaker.
"My cross I'll carry till I see Jesus."
And his comments continued: "A lot of people say that. A j
lot of people want it to be that way. But their commitment
wavers as time passes. There are all kinds of people who were
active Christians a couple of years ago who are now very
nominally interested. Are you willing to carry that cross
literally until you see Jesus? So many people get weak along
the way. What makes you think you are different?"
Enough said, he sat down.
(Continued on Page 19)
2
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS
PHIL SHEPARD :
a Young Man
With a
Vision
He is dedicated.
He is committed.
This twenty-year-old is so intensely com-
Itted to Christ— and to making Him
town— that it is refreshing.
"Did you read the sign hanging over Phil's
Isk?" Scott asked as we were getting in the
cr.
"Yes," I half-answered, my mind busily
Resting all I had heard. How could I miss it?
[lis not every college student who has a poster
lie that in his room. The sign very simply
Bjeried:
3hil, have you exercised your body and your
spirit and your mind and your heart today?
Love, Jesus
• ffi FREE WILL BAPTIST
by Janie Jones Sowers
That poster was just one more item that
pointed to his "specialness," the commitment
that almost seems to compel him.
You see, Scott and I had gone to Raleigh to
spend some time with Phil Shepard, a junior at
North Carolina State University. We first met
Phil several years ago when he was elected
vice president of the State Youth Convention,
we have worked with him since then, but we
came to really know and appreciate him that
Friday several weeks ago.
Phil did not grow up in a church-going
family, and he points to his mother's early
demise as being a life-changing event. ( She
died when he was in the fourth grade.) He
learned early that people cannot be taken for
granted— and he came to see how close man is
to death— he can die at any age; he realized
man's need for salvation. Phil makes it quite
clear that God has shown him these things in
order that he might "lead others to Jesus."
Phil accepted Christ as his Saviour in 1977,
and he united with First Church, Wilson,
several years later. At present, he is working
toward becoming a licensed minister, feeling
that "God has called me to preach His gospel."
At North Carolina State University, Phil is
very active in Inter- Varsity Christian
Fellowship, a student group which exists to
establish, assist, and encourage students and
faculty members who witness to the Lord Jesus
Christ as God Incarnate. Inter- Varsity Chris-
tian Fellowship seeks to lead others to a per-
sonal faith in Christ, to help Christians grow
toward maturity as disciples of Christ through
Bible study, prayer and Christian fellowship.
The Inter- Varsity Christian Fellowship also
presents the call of God to the world mission of
the Church, and in so doing, helps Christians
discover God's role for them. One way it does
so is through the STEM (Student Training in
Missions) program.
Since 1972, STIM has been stimulating stu-
dent interest in world missions, and equipping
students to effectively communicate the gospel
in another culture. This program has earned a
reputation for quality— quality in students and
quality in training. Practical training in com-
munication across cultures, plus a first-hand
introduction to missions as a career gives
students an unparalleled experience. This
training program lasts nine months. Par-
ticipants are carefully screened to assure
Christian maturity, ministry ability, and poten-
tial to handle the stress of a foreign culture.
Each student participating in STIM is re-
quired to raise part of the STIM budget for the
year. The individual cost averages $3,200,
which includes training, travel, room and
board, other ministry expenses, and overhead.
The total budget for the team (which this year
consists of 218 persons) must be met before any
student leaves for an internship; this year's
deadline is May 7.
Phil Shepard has been accepted through
the STIM program and will work in cooperation
with the North Carolina State Convention
Board of Foreign Missions in the Philippines
this summer. This is where Phil wants to
serve. In order to do so, he needs to raise his
portion of the STIM budget: $3,200.
I would personally encourage everyone
reading this to make whatever contribution
possible to this cause. Moneys can be sent to
the Foreign Missions Board, Box 38, Ayden, NC
28513, and appropriately earmarked. But Phil
needs more than our money— he needs our
prayerful support. This young man needs our
encouragement— now and later. If you would
like to contact him, his address is: Phil
Shepard, 1616 Hillsborough, Raleigh, NC 27605.
Several weeks ago Phil looked at me and
asked, "Janie, will you help me?" This ques-
tion nearly haunts me, for I realize the poten-
tial of one per-
son who has a
vision of lost
souls in need of
a Saviour; I also
know that Phil
wants to be used
of God to meet
this awesome
need. Without
reservation I
whole-heartedly
respond: "Yes,
Phil, I promise
I'll do what I
can to help
you." A friend
always, Janie.
THE CHRISTIAN NURTURES,
;|
by Bass Mitchell
Part III: Nurturing Through Equipping (|
selves for the Educational Ministry
One of the best things we can do as and 1
teachers is to be constantly studying and
undergoing training to increase our knowled
and improve our skills in Christian educatio
When is the last time you read a book or at
tended a training class on Christian educati
Such training and study will equip us to
minister to our teachers and will give them
added incentive to study and undergo trainii
We are right back to the matter of being goc
examples.
Numerous opportunities for training are,
available. Let me share a few.
First, the Paul Palmer Institute offers
many courses which would be beneficial for
pastors and superintendents. Why not conta(
the pastors and superintendents in the churd
around you and plan to have some of these
courses taught in your community? Frank H'
rison, director of the Institute, will be glad t<
work with you.
Second, the State Sunday School Conven
tion offers workshops each year on various ,
aspects of Christian education. Also, it is pla;
ning to update its certificate program to offe|
one especially for pastors and superintendent
Contact Stanley Jenkins or Chris Singleton ft
further information on what the Convention <
fers.
Third, an opportunity for invaluable trail
ing is open to you every Sunday morning.
Pastors, what do you usually do while classei
are in session? With the prior knowledge of t
teachers, why not use that time to sit in on
classes? Also, you could arrange to teach or
team teach some of the classes. Make it a go1
to teach every class at least once a year. Yoi!
could start with the preschoolers and go righf
through the older adults. The practical
knowledge and experience you receive will bj
of enormous benefit to you. Your understand]"
of and appreciation for teachers will be great'
increased as well !
Fourth, there is no substitute for persona
study and reading. This includes books and a
tides on Christian education, as well as studj
ing the Sunday school lesson each week. In tt
next article I will recommend some books an
resources which every pastor and superinten
dent should have and read, and tell you how 1
obtain these resources.
4
THE FREE WILL BAPTI
DOE
EJBE
SHE
DQE
3QC
HE EDUCATION OF THE MINISTRY
I THE FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH
by Dr. Michael R. Pelt, Professor of Religion, Mount Olive College
(Continued from Last Issue)
A Gall to Discipline
ife have a serious problem in
denomination with those
after receiving ordination
that they do not need any
;her preparation. How is it
grown men can assume
I the church needs what they
re to offer as pastors,
chers and spiritual advisors
in they are unwilling to sub-
to discipline themselves—
discipline of study and
rning?
bw much education does
need to be a minister? The
Jfewer to that question
J|ends on what kind of foun-
■ion is needed to build a life-
lie of ministry. In response to
l| question put to him by a
linger minister, the president
■fie Southern Baptist Conven-
wi replied, "It doesn't take
Ich foundation to build a
cken coop." Some have
shed high school or even
pleted a year or more in
ege and apparently see no
^d to continue their educa-
ii.
| jly observation is that once a
r ,n is ordained and is called to
wve as pastor of a church, he
;es strong temptation to lay
lis plans to finish college,
rose who continue in school do
; because they believe in the
l|erent value of education for
I ministry; those who do not
§ seldom held accountable by
1 churches which they serve,
left ministers only perpetuate
v, conditions which allow
Jim to neglect further study,
fey do not build congrega-
iwis which desire a better
iiicated ministry.
i heavy responsibility rests
t those who have tried to ob-
m the best education they
ilssibly could, including
$ological training. Such men
ilow that the value of
IjlE FREE WILL BAPTIST
ministerial education is made
more evident by their ministry
or else they give occasion for
those who doubt its value to
question it openly. Those who
have been fortunate enough to
earn a theological degree must
not wear their degree like a
badge but reach out to the least
of God's children and nurture
them toward maturity in
Christ. There is no escaping the
dictum that "to whom much is
committed shall much be re-
quired."
Four- Year Program at
Mount Olive College
Two years ago a committee
was chosen representing the
various conferences and cer-
tain boards of the State Conven-
tion to assist us in developing a
curriculum for the education of
ministers at Mount Olive Col-
lege. When that committee
completed its work, ours was
the first curriculum plan to be
submitted to the faculty and the
Board of Trustees as part of the
development of a four-year pro-
gram. As we offer the junior
year in 1984-85 we begin to ac-
tualize the plans for providing a
baccalaureate degree in
religion and in church
ministries.
There are many of our
ministers who are presently
serving in the churches who
need to take advantage of the
educational opportunities at
Mount Olive. We are trying to
identify them and encourage
them to enroll. We are trying to
make it as convenient for them
as possible by arranging upper-
division courses in religion on
Tuesdays and Thursdays and
other courses at night. Scholar-
ships and other forms of finan-
cial aid are also being provided
to assure that those who want to
learn have that opportunity.
We need your help in
recruiting these persons for
further study as well as in iden-
tifying young men and women
who ought to consider a church
vocation and begin to prepare
for it.
RETIREMENT HOMES
RELIGIOUS
CONTRIBUTIONS
JANUARY, 1984
Total, $2,464.87
ALBEMARLE
Mount Tabor $ 50.00
Sidney 189.11
Union Meeting 12.05
Total $251.16
CAPE FEAR
Casey's Chapel
Total
CENTRAL
Aspen Grove
Ayden
Edge wood
Hugo
Ormondsville
Rose of Sharon
Saratoga
Sweet Gum Grove
Winterville
Total
EASTERN
Bethel
Core Creek
Deep Run
Faith (Brunswick)
Grants Chapel
Kinston, First
Russell's Creek
Saints Delight
Smith's New Home
Sound View
Welcome Home
Whaley's Chapel
Total
WESTERN
Calvary
Flood's Chapel
Free Union
Friendship
Little Rock
People's Chapel
Piney Grove
Pleasant Hill
Sherron Acres
Union Number 2
Watson's Grove
Wilson, First
Youth Fellowship
Total
STATEWIDE
St. Cloud, First (Florida)
Total
$197.00
$197.00
$110.00
10.00
5.00
25.00
100.00
50.00
114.00
68.25
20.00
$502.25
$100.00
110.00
17.04
2.00
66.00
125.00
5.00
150.00
40.00
100.00
50.00
100.00
$865.04
$ 59.92
7.00
25.00
20.00
75.00
25.00
62.50
50.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
155.00
75.00
$644.42
$ 5.00
$ 5.00
News 81 Notes
THE LESTERS TO BE IN CONCERT
The Leaters
The Lesters, from St. Louis, Missouri, will be in concert at
Christian Chapel Church on Sunday, March 11, at 11 a.m. Everyone
is invited to attend.
The Lesters are truly one of America's best loved, best known
and most talented family entertainment groups today. They began
in gospel music more than fifty years ago and over the years have
consistently thrilled thousands of people all over the United States,
Canada, and overseas. "Ain't God Good," their first nationally ac-
claimed hit, was rated in the top 40 in gospel music by the Singing
News for over 17 months and was chosen as one of the top 50 songs
in the nation.
Two Brothers Receive Pins
Wayne and Dwayne Whitley
Recently two brothers,
Wayne and Dwayne Whitley,
6
were presented their tenth
perfect attendance Sunday
school pins by Superintendent
Tysula Smith and Teacher
Kathryn Ricks. The presenta-
tion came during the morning
worship service as the entire
congregation of the First
Church, Rocky Mount, cele-
brated with these young
gentlemen in their achieve-
ment. The pastor, the Rev.
Mark S. Hobbs, encouraged
everyone to strive for their
special goals in attendance by
committing themselves in
Christian service to God and to
our fellowman.
Wintergreen Church Expect
A Great Revival
The Wintergreen Chur
Route 1, Cove City, has revi
services scheduled for Mai
19 through 23. The time of
services is 7:30 p.m. The R
Jeff Scarborough, pastor
Shady Grove Church n<
Spivey's Corner, will be
guest evangelist. A wonder
time in the Lord is expec
each night.
"God has rightly blessed
Wintergreen Church," repo
the Rev. Mike Scott, past
"Over the past year we hsj
seen a notable increase in b<j
attendance and financial si
port, but what's more impj
tant is that there has beer!
dynamic spiritual growth— 1
power and presence of God i
felt in every service and
praise God for this."
The pastor and congregati
invite all to attend this week
revival.
.
Valentine Dinner Held at
St. Mary's Grove Church
Having enjoyed sweethe
banquets presented by
adults for several years,
young people of St. Mar
Grove Church, Bens<
reciprocated Saturday eveni
February 11, by presenting
entire church with a delicii
dinner and special entert^
ment.
Under the direction of
YFA leaders, Paula and Dar
Coates, the young peo]
decorated the chur
fellowship hall with red s
white streamers extendi
from the center of the ceilinf
the outer walls, along with i
and white flower
rangements, candles and wh
tablecloths.
At the conclusion of the me|
red velvet cake was served
dessert after which enterta
ment was presented by
youth auxiliaries. A good tiifi
was had by all.
THE FREE WILL BAPTltJ
Hvival Services in Progress
]|Robert's Grove Church
e$jtevival services are in prog-
iis through March 9, at
"Ibert's Grove Church, Route
e|jDunn. The evangelist is the
w. Dean Kennedy of Pink
.1, pastor of Haymount
urch, Fayetteville. There is
;cial music each night. The
le of the services is 7 : 30 p.m.
'he pastor, the Rev. Jerry
en, and the church member-
p ask that everyone be much
prayer, that many Christians
1 rededicate their lives to the
rd, that many backsliders
1 be reborn; and that many
lis will be saved as a result of
jse services.
'he public is invited to come
i worship in the remainder
these services.
ith Church Selects
liman of the Year
irenda Leonard receives flower from
otherhood member of Faith Church.
.The Faith Church in Leland,
forth Carolina, had a Chris t-
las party at the Steak House.
I| was there that the Woman's
H|ixiliary of the church elected
i woman of the year for 1983.
'ie lady that they elected was
]pnda Leonard.
jBrenda was chosen because
her highly shown support of
le young people. She is Youth
-fiader for the AFC and YFA,
J5 well as the Cherubs. The
;|)ung people really love her.
Iffi FREE WILL BAPTIST
Among the things she did with
the youth in 1983 was a camping
trip, and a trip to visit the nurs-
ing home. It was at the nursing
home that the young people had
fun singing songs and praying
with the old people.
Brenda is not only active with
the young people, she is active
with the Woman's Auxiliary.
She also helps clean the church.
The Brotherhood of the
church helped the women elect
her. To show their apprecia-
tion, the Brotherhood presented
her a flower.
Revival in Progress
At Hugo Church
Revival services are in prog-
ress through March 9 at Hugo
Church. The time of the ser-
vices is 7:30 p.m. The
evangelist is the Rev. Francis
Garner from Newport. There is
special music each night. The
public is invited to attend the
remainder of these services.
The pastor of the Hugo
Church is the Rev. Tom Miller.
The church is located on Route
2, Grifton, one mile east of
Hugo.
Piedmont Women to Meet
The Piedmont Woman's Aux-
iliary District Meeting will be
March 17, at House of Prayer
Church, Kernersville.
Oak Grove Church Has
Sweetheart Banquet
On Saturday night, February
11, at Oak Grove Church, the
Woman's Auxiliary honored the
church's youth with a valentine
sweetheart banquet. This was
enjoyed by many youths and
adults. A special thanks goes to
Louise Gardner and to all the
ladies who helped prepare the
food.
Piedmont Conference Holds
Quarterly Meeting
The Piedmont Conference
held its quarterly meeting at
Cathedral Church in Durham
on January 28, 1984.
The Rev. Roger Montsinger
spoke for morning devotions,
and the Rev. John Furr brought
the message at the morning
worship hour. Both did a fine
job as the services were en-
joyed by all.
The Ordination Council met
and approved and licensed Ms.
Doris Pinyan from the House of
Prayer in Kernersville and Tim
Stewart from Rescue Church in
Thomasville. They will be
under the watchcare of the
church for one year.
Thanks go to Cathedral
Church for the fine hospitality
and the fine meal they served
at lunch.
First Church of
Warsaw Honors Pastor
>
The Rev. and Mrs. Foy Futrelle
The First Free Will Baptist
Church of Warsaw honored its
pastor and his wife, the Rev.
Foy and Hattie Futrelle, on
their 40th wedding anniver-
sary, January 25, 1984. The cou-
ple was honored with a recep-
tion in the fellowship building of
the church. They were
presented a salad server from
the church.
Revival in Progress
At Watery Branch Church
Revival services are in prog-
ress through March 9 at
Watery Branch Church, Route
2, Stantonsburg. The Rev. A. G.
Smith of Kinston is the
evangelist. The time of the ser-
vices is 7:30 p.m. There is
(Turn the Page)
7
special singing each night. The
pastor, the Rev. C. M. Coats,
and the church membership
cordially invite everyone to at-
tend the remainder of these ser-
vices.
Installation Service for the
Rev. Bass Michael Mitchell
The Rev. Bass M. Mitchell
In acts of reverence, friend-
ship, renewal, installation, and
fellowship, a most fitting ser-
vice was held for the Rev.
Bass M. Mitchell on February
19, 1984, at the Ayden Church.
The call to worship— asking
God to hear their prayers— was
brought by the choir, followed
by the invocation and the pray-
ing in unison of "The Lord's
Prayer."
The anthem by the choir,
"The Family of God," was
presented after which the
Scripture lesson, 2 Corinthians
5:20—6:13, was read by Ger-
trude Whitehurst; and in-
troductory thoughts were
brought by Janice Butler,
which impressed upon the con-
gregation the solemn respon-
sibility of the relationship
which they have undertaken. It
was also impressed upon the
group that if they seek God's
guidance they will find divine
help to carry through their mis-
sion.
Ross Persinger, mayor of
Ayden, was an honored guest
bringing greetings to the
8
Mitchells from the town of
Ayden and the community. His
remarks of welcome were with
love and encouragement. Also,
in attendance were the parents
of the Mitchell family.
The morning message en-
titled "The Challenge and the
Willingness to Serve" was
brought by Mary Alice Daven-
port. She impressed upon the
group that a minister goes to a
congregation to carry on many
responsibilities and as he
undertakes the task of leading
the church, he needs the help of
every member to achieve the
high goals that are to be
reached by joint, sustained ef-
fort. The minister must be free
to express the Word of God, as
God gives him the insight to see
it. A minister is responsible to
God, but so is the congregation.
In her closing remarks, she
stated that Bass said: "Here
am I (Lord) ; send me." Will we
be willing, when there is a task
we can do, to call out to him:
"Here am I; send me?" Let
him be our minister, serving all
the congregation. Let him be
our pastor, sharing with us both
our joys and our sorrows. Let
him be the spiritual leader of
our church!
A special musical selection,
"The Lord's Prayer," was
rendered by Angelene Venters.
The solemn covenant was
bestowed upon Bass by Melvin
Fussell, chairman of the board,
at which time Bass made his
declaration. He reaffirmed his
ordination vows and pledged to
be a pastor to the congregation,
to nurture them in the truth of
the Holy Scriptures, all with
God's help. Bass then
presented his testimony in song
with "I Would Be True."
Jesse Corbett, Wilson
Venters, Nina Fussell, and
Todd Venters, representatives
of various areas of church
work, vowed pledges of
cooperation, leadership,
responsibility, fellowship, har-
mony and love as the family of
God. The congregation then
repeated the vow of covenant
affirming their membership;!
Christ's Church and faji
to their Lord Jesus ChrA'
to cooperate with Past
Mitchell; and to extend t
gospel in its purity and power
the community, and to their
most ability, around the wo:
and pledging love and supp<
to Bass in doing the work of t
Lord.
Following the prayer of :
stallation, the pronounceme
of installation to Bass w
given by Chairman Fussell
which time he and Mayor P<
singer extended the right ha
of fellowship.
After the presentation of
plaque to Bass expressi;
abiding love and support,
joined in singing "Blest Be t;
Tie That Binds," followed i
the benediction by Past'
Mitchell.
Red carnations were ■
sented to each participant. .
arrangement of red carnatic
and white daisies was placed
the church by the Tripp fam
in memory of Mrs. Verni
Tripp for this special occasicj
Evangelistic Services
At Rosebud Church
Evangelism March '84 is
special evangelistic effort t
ing place during the month
March at Rosebud Church,
7:30 p.m., each Wednesc
evening. The speakers for '
series will be the Rev. Buc
Sasser, Pleasant Gro
Church, Pikeville, on March
the Rev. Walter Suttc
Macedonia Church, Ernul,
March 14; the Rev. T.
Farmer, Tee's Chapel Chur
Smithfield, on March 21; a
the Rev. Robert May, Hick(
Chapel Church, Ahoskie,
March 28. There will be spec
singing each night. This is
ing sponsored by the Roset
Woman's Auxiliary.
Rosebud Church is local
just off Highway 301, north
Wilson, near the Firestc
Plant.
THE FREE WILL BAPTl[]
SONG AND PUPPET SERVICE
SCHEDULED AT MARLBORO CHURCH
"The Carroll Puppets
The Gospelaires"
"The Gospelaires" and "The Carroll Puppets" of Roanoke
lipids will be the featured guests at the evening worship service at
nrlboro Church on Sunday, March 11. These groups will present
i gospel by means of their vocal and puppetry skills.
Marlboro Church is located on Highway 264, near Farmville,
ifa is pastored by the Rev. Scott Sowers. The congregation joins
n in extending everyone a cordial invitation to join them in this
[•vice. The service will begin at 7 p.m.
REEDY BRANCH CHURCH NAMES FELLOWSHIP HALL
The Rev. and Mrs. Willis Wilson
r m FREE WILL BAPTIST
The people of Reedy Branch
Church, Winterville, are proud
of their pastor and his wife, the
Rev. and Mrs. Willis Wilson, for
the "20" wonderful years they
have given the church as a
team.
They came to the church in
October, 1963. As a diligent
worker Mr. Wilson has led the
church onward and upward.
The people of Reedy Branch
have had many changes in the
church facilities in the past 20
years. The educational building
was made larger and many
other remodeling projects
have been completed.
In 1976, a fellowship hall was
added to the grounds. On Sun-
day, November 6, 1983, during
homecoming service there was
a burning of the mortgage on
the fellowship building. The
building was dedicated and
named the Wilson Fellowship
Hall.
The board set the month of
November to be Willis Wilson
month. Many of the members
had Mr. and Mrs. Wilson to eat
with them. They received gifts
and cards. The climax for the
month was a covered dish lunch
the last Sunday.
In February, the Woman's
Auxiliary sponsored a covered
dish supper to honor Mrs.
Wilson and congratulated her
on her retirement after
teaching 30 years in the public
school system.
Mrs. Wilson is treasurer of
the Woman's Auxiliary. She is
the librarian for the church
library. She also makes the
orders for the Sunday school
materials.
Reedy Branch is really
blessed and proud to have
Willis and Jean.
COMING EVENTS
March — Entire Month Desig-
nated by the State Conven-
tion as Foreign Missions
Month
March 7 — Ash Wednesday
(Continued on Page 19)
9
Woman's Auxiliary I
ATTENTION
NC WOMAN'S AUXILIARIES
The 1984 session of the North
Carolina Woman's Auxiliary
Convention will convene on
Thursday, May 10, in College
Hall at Mount Olive College,
Mount Olive, North Carolina.
Each auxiliary should repre-
sent with one delegate for each
25 members or fraction thereof,
plus a registration fee of $10.
Many auxiliaries mail their
registration fee m advance.
This is a good thing to do, as it
saves the delegate the trouble
of handling the money. Also, in
the event something happens at
the last minute to prohibit your
representing in person, your
auxiliary is registered as hav-
ing represented.
IMPORTANT: Please mail
your fee before April 25, if
possible, so that I will be able to
get the list prepared and
delivered to the convention
registration committee for use
on the morning of May 10. If
you cannot possibly attend,
please mail your fee anyway,
as the convention needs your
support. Mail your fee to the
following address: Mrs. Ray-
mond T. Sasser, State
Treasurer, 517 Westover
Avenue, Wilson, North Carolina
27893.
Mrs. Raymond T. Sasser
WOMAN'S AUXILIARY OF
DURHAM CHURCH INSTALLS OFFICERS
CENTRAL DISTRICT
Woman's Auxiliary Convention
Dear Auxiliary Women of the
Central District:
Spring is almost here and it's
time for our Spring Convention.
Our meeting will be held at Or-
mondsville Free Will Baptist
Church on March 24, 1984,
located eight miles west of
Ay den, just off Highway 903 at
Ormondsville. Registration fee
is $10. You are entitled to one
delegate per 25 members— or
fraction thereof. Please mail in
advance all contributions, ex-
cept the two special offerings
The Woman's Auxiliary of First Church, Durham, recently installed its 198^1
ficers. A wonderful program was prepared by Mrs. Jane Johnson. The new officii
are as follows (left to right) : Betsy Grogran, benevolence chairman; Jane Johns]
vice president; Gertrude Gornto, president; Ruby Yeatts, treasurer; Bertie Marl
flowers chairman; Debbie Slaughter, secretary; Doris McGhee, program chm
man; Cindy Clifton, Children's Home chairman; and Eunice Morris, missions cha\\
man.
we ask you to bring to the con-
vention, to Mrs. Martha Pitt-
man, Route 1, Box 24, Stan-
tonsburg, North Carolina 27883.
Also send in your Life Member-
ship Awards for this meeting.
A-l auxiliaries are to be
recognized at this meeting.
MISSIONS- Each auxiliary is re-
quested to bring $25 to our convention ;
$20 is for our state mission projects and
$5 for our Central Conference Missions.
Foreign Missions World Mission Con-
ference and Rally will be March 9, on
campus of Mount Olive College. Plan to
attend. March 25 is Telethon Sunday
and Day of Prayer for World Missions.
CRAGMONT: Bring your talents to
the convention. This offering along with
your mission offering will be brought to
the altar as we have the roll call. Ear-
mark your checks.
YOUTH: Our next Youth Meeting
will be held on Saturday, March 17, at
Marlboro. This will be an all-day
meeting. Our State Youth Convention
will be May 18-20 at Mount Olive Col-
lege. Field Day will be held on April 28
at La Grange. The Youth project is the
portable stage for College Hall; each
church is asked to donate $100. If you
need someone for a Sunday night ser-
vice see Joan Little and she will be able
to help you.
CHILDREN'S HOME: We have 30
children on campus.
RETIREMENT HOMES: $20 per
year.
:
ANNA PHILLIPS FUND: Supp<
this fund so we can help our youth cc
tinue their education.
MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE: $20
needed for the dishwasher which shoi
be paid for in May.
Please share this letter with yo
auxiliary members. We look forward
seeing you at this convention.
Yours in Ch
Wallie Hargro
Missions Chairmi
WOMAN'S AUXILIARY OFf
FIRST CHURCH, DURHAM^
HAS PROJECT
The members of tM
Woman's Auxiliary of the Fir'
Church, Durham, are alwa^
looking for ways to help tr
church. They started a projei*
to replace the carpet and d<'
cided to do something differen
They crowned Amy Slaughte(
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sta''
Slaughter, as the queen, anfl
Christopher Dickerson, son c[
Mr. and Mrs. Roy Dickersor
as king.
Both children put on the!
crowns and took their little coi
tainers and went around co
lecting pennies. If their detei
mination is any indication (f
(Continued on Page 19)
10
THE FREE WILL BAPTISl
hildren's Home
"THE TRAUMA
OF SEPARATION"
Imagine yourself suddenly
latched from every person on
irth that you have known, and
ansported to a foreign coun-
y! The people you see are
jmplete strangers. The place
u are living in is unfamiliar
d threatening. The distance
(•om anything that represents
Bimiliarity seems to be remote-
ly infinite. The rules are new
■id confining in your percep-
Ipn. How would you react?
P These are the things that our
lewly admitted children face,
lonsequently, these are the
|tings that our Child Care Staff
members face. How are we to
leal adequately with the
Itrauma of separation?"
Ibparation from the familiar
find secure (whether imaginary
if real) can be potentially
ipvastating. This is why our
rogram must include formal
ij-aining such as that offered
ijirough the University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill by
f.roup Child Care Consultant
vlsrvices.
»jOn February 1 and 2, Larry
7eese represented the Univer-
ijty of North Carolina in con-
tacting seminars on "Separa-
tion" and "The Group" on the
Ijimpus of the Children's
lome. These seminars are part
C: the larger Basic Course for
tfertification of Residential
ipild Care Workers. Mr. Weese
las had actual experience in
Miild Care as well as the ability
fl communicate the theories of
;*actice that go into the im-
plementation of Child Care
IHE FREE WILL BAPTIST
work. There will be two more
seminars in March, which will
include the Basic Course.
Through training like this and
wisdom from a God who never
fails, we can be instruments in
helping to mold lives that will
be useful to themselves, society
and God!
TRANSPORTATION COMES
IN DIFFERENT SHAPES
Recently the Home received
four golf carts, two of which
were for use for parts replace-
ment. These carts were
donated by Mr. and Mrs.
Charles Wainright of Little's
Nursery, Greenville, North
Carolina. They had at one time
used the carts in their nursery
business. The carts are being
repaired and will be used in
maintenance and recreation
around campus. Mr. and Mrs.
Wainright are members of
Bethany Free Will Baptist
Church, Route 1, Winterville,
North Carolina. We wish to
thank Mr. and Mrs. Wainright
for thinking about the
Children's Home and for this
donation.
CYCLO-GRAPH DONATED
We would like to give special
thanks to Mrs. Evelyn Rhodes
of the Reedy Branch Free Will
Baptist Church, Winterville,
North Carolina, for her recent
contribution of a Cyclo-graph
for use in our Educational
Center. This educational tool
will be most helpful and is
sincerely appreciated. We also
would like to thank Mrs. Rebec-
ca Davenport, who brought the
Cyclo-graph to the Home for
Mrs. Rhodes. Thank you,
ladies! ! !
SNOW DAY FUN
Yes, school ended early as the ground began to be covered with
wonderful snow. The children wasted no time in dressing
themselves for the occasion and getting outside. It was a time for
snow ball fights, snowmen and rolling in the white stuff. Sure it was
cold, but who cared? After all, it doesn't snow that often. The ex-
citement of the snow and the joy of getting out of school stirred the
child that is in all of us. Well, the next day the snow was almost
gone and it was back to school, but each will remember the joy of
chilled hands and feet— and simply smile. Who knows, it just might
snow again ! !
11
DATE: MARCH 9, 1984
(That's This Week!)
PLACE: MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE
SPONSOR: BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS
Dr. William Bennett, guest speaker for the day,
pastors the First Baptist Church, Fort Smith, Arkan-
sas. He is an outstanding Bible and missions con-
ference speaker.
9:30- 9:55
10:00-11:30
11:30-11:45
11:45— 1:00
1:00- 2:30
CONFERENCE PROGRAM
Daytime Sessions— Downtown Campus
9:00— 9:30 Prayer for Conference and Rally (for early
arrivers)
Coffee and Donuts
"Will Those Who've Never Heard the Gospel
Go to Hell?" (Dr. William Bennett)
Question and Answer Session
Lunch Break, Cafeteria open
"World Missions, The Pastor and the Local
Church" (Dr. William Bennett)
2:30— 2:45 Break
2:45— 4:00 Film, "First Fruits"
5:30— 7:00 Banquet, price, $4.50
All who attend the seminars will receive a complimen-
tary copy of Missionary Education Helps for the Local
Church.
Ushers— Members of the State Layman's League
Song Leader— The Rev. Norman Ard
Pianist— Mrs. Maria Ham
Recording— The Rev. David DeHart
!
RALLY PROGRAM
College Hall- 7:30 P.M.
Prelude, Maria Ham
Congregational Hymn, Page 21, "We've a Story to Tell"
Welcome and Remarks, the Rev. Harold Jones
One Minute of Silence to Remember the late Rev. C. F.
Bowen
Prayer, the Rev. Henry Armstrong
Special Music, "The Damascus Way"
Testimony, Phil Shepard
Offering and Prayer, the Rev. Wayne King
Congregational Hymn, Page 22, "Till the Whole World
Knows"
Commissioning Service, the Rev. Gary Bailey
Testimony, Lydia and Willem van der Plas
Introduction of Speaker, the Rev. Harold Jones
Special Music, JoAnn Pennington, Guyla Evans, and Alice
Hines
Message, Dr. William Bennett
Invitational Hymn, Page 18, "Where He Leads I'll Follow"
Benediction, the Rev. Marvin Waters
Postlude, Maria Ham
There will not be a registration fee for the Conference. An offering will be received during the
Rally to cover the expenses for the Conference and help pay for the van der Plas Family's trip to
the Philippines. Remember this as you give.
Tapes of all sessions will be available.
The Free Will Baptist Press will provide a book display where books
on missions and other subjects of interest can be purchased.
EVERYONE IS INVITED TO ATTEND!
COME, AND BRING A LARGE NUMBER FROM YOUR CHURCH.
12
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
EMANUEL THE SAVIOUR TEMPLE
Biographical sketch of the conversion of Brother Camilo
Fjieda (age 39) :
Brother Camilo was converted last August. Before conversion,
wanted nothing to do with the gospel of our Lord. In fact, he was
a enemy of all those who professed faith in Christ. He was a
fciatic believer of one of the idols which is worshiped here in Mex-
U\, El Nino Fidencio.
But in one of our revival campaigns, after much talking to him,
Lord touched his heart in such a way that he was truly
fckisformed; and he became a new creature in the Lord. Now he is
ajaithful servant of God. As he once mightily defended his faith in
toils, he now as forcefully testifies of his new life in Christ Jesus to
t?se who are still in idolatry. We have seen in the course of these
Ipnths that the life of our brother has grown in the Lord and reaf-
f ms every day his conviction to serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
Brother Camilo Pineda of Piedras Negras, Mexico, is a Chris-
tin today, BECAUSE OF YOUR SUPPORT FOR FOREIGN MIS-
fONS.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY
GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!
IIN MORE IN '84
I lethon Theme: World Missions and You.
WORLD MISSIONS
AND THE BD3LE
The Bible gives us the "Man-
ate" for world missions.
Jesus gave the Great Com-
mission in Mark 16:15, "Go ye
fito all the world, and preach
le gospel to every creature."
Ie expects us to obey His corn-
hand.
We cannot escape it.
' The Bible gives us the
'Message" for world missions.
The message is "the good
ews that Jesus Christ died for
ur sins and was raised from
lie dead according to the Scrip-
ures, and that as the reigning
..ord, He now offers the
^rgiveness of sins and the
jberating gift of the Spirit to all
vho repent and believe."
!HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
We must take this message to
the ends of the earth.
The Bible gives us the
"Model" for world missions.
"The word became flesh, and
dwelt among us" (John 1:14).
He (Jesus) came in the flesh to
reveal the divine. He did this
without compromising His
Lordship. We must identify
with the lost people of the earth,
without compromising our
identity as Christians. We must
humble ourselves and become
servants of others in order to
lead them to Christ.
Jesus is our model, let's
follow Him.
The Bible gives us the
"Power" for world missions.
Paul said: "For I am not
ashamed of the gospel of
Christ: for it is the power of
God unto salvation to everyone
that believeth." Acts 1:8 tells
us that we will receive power to
witness. We have a powerful
message, and the power to
deliver it.
God help us to be obedient.
TELETHON SUNDAY
IS MARCH 25.
World Missions depends on you.
What you do is important!
CALL AND REPORT
YOUR MISSIONS
OFFERING BETWEEN
1:30 and 5:30 P.M.
PHONE (919) 746-4963
A PERSONAL THANK YOU
I have mailed over a hundred
cards thanking people for their
kindness and love shown to me
and my family during the death
of the Rev. C. F. Bowen.
However, there were some
things done and given that I had
no name or address for. Please
accept this public "thank you"
as a loving thought and ap-
preciation coming from us dur-
ing a time that you meant so
much to us.
Please pray for us and
especially for me because I
have so many decisions to
make. It is really lonesome
after being together for almost
fifty years, lacking three
months, but I know with your
prayers and God's help I can
make it. Thank you again.
Rose and Jeff Bowen
ANNOUNCEMENT
Services will begin March 11,
1984, for Winterville Church in
the new building located on the
corner of Glendale Avenue and
East Cooper Street in Winter-
ville. The congregation will be
meeting in the fellowship hall
for worship services until the
sanctuary is completed.
The Rev. Ed Taylor, Pastor, and
Congregation
13
Mount Olive College
MOC RECEIVES GIFT
Li
*
James H. Babb, left, manager of
Sears in Goldsboro, North Carolina, is
shown presenting to President
W. Burkette Raper of Mount Olive Col-
lege an unrestricted gift in the amount
of $500 from the Sears-Roebuck Foun-
dation.
Mount Olive is one among 93b private
accredited institutions across the coun-
try which are sharing in $1,575,000 in
Sears Foundation grants for the 1983-8Jf
academic year.
CORRECTION ON NEW
CREATIONS' SCHEDULE
The New Creations will pre-
sent a program of gospel music
and personal testimony at the
Trinity Church, Beaufort Coun-
ty, on Sunday, April 15, at the 11
a.m. worship service. The date
was incorrectly listed in the
February 8 issue of The Free
Will Baptist.
CALVIN MERCER TO
SPEAK IN SMITHFIELD
Calvin Mercer, professor of
Religion at Mount Olive Col-
lege, will speak at the First
Church in Smithfield, Sunday
night, March 11. The service
begins at 7 p.m.
The Rev. Leonard Woodall is
interim pastor of the church.
Mercer and his wife, Marilyn,
reside in Smithfield.
Now is a good time to renew
your subscription to The Free
Will Baptist.
SEATING PROJECT FOR COLLEGE HALL CONTINUES/^
GOAL FOR 800 CHAIRS REACHED
One of the primary purposes of College Hall is to serve as a c
vention center for Original Free Will Baptists. The main floor \
accommodate 2,000 people (800 in convention chairs and 1.20C
bleacher seats).
The campaign to raise gifts of $50 each for the chairs has g(
over the top. By February 27 gifts for 830 chairs had been receiv
The gifts above 800 chairs will be applied on the bleacher seats, a
the campaign for seating will continue until the entire seating pr
ect has been underwritten.
The cost of sponsoring a bleacher seat is $100. Gifts and pledd
for 315 of these seats have already been received. Donors may c<|
tribute the full $100 for a bleacher seat or co-sponsor it for $1
Nameplates will be put on the bleacher seats to recognize
donors and those in whose honor or memory they are given.
DONORS FEBRUARY 14-27
Donors
Number
of
Chairs
In Honor of Mrs. Louie Langdon Austin (Age 101)
By the Rev. and Mrs. L. B. Woodall Jr., Princeton
In Memory of Oscar Webster
By Mrs. Laura C. Webster, Oscar J. Webster, James N.
Webster and Ruth E . Olszweiski, Pinetown
In Honor of the Rev. and Mrs. John R. Lee
By Bethel Sunday School, Four Oaks
Mrs. Catherine Daniels, Goldsboro
In Memory of Anne Hester Bryan
By Northeast Woman's Auxiliary, Mount Olive
In Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Dalma West
By Mr. and Mrs. M. D. West, Dunn
In Honor of the Music Department of the First Church of Tar-
boro
By Goodwill Circle of First Church of Tarboro, Tarboro
In Honor of Gayle, Larry and Michelle Congleton
By the Rev. and Mrs. David Hill, Stokes
In Honor of Sharon, Clyde and Lisa Dickens
By the Rev. and Mrs. David Hill, Stokes
Howell Construction Company, Goldsboro
In Honor of the Rev. and Mrs. Craig Simmons
By First Church of Wilson Woman's Auxiliary, Wilson
In Memory of Annie Dupree
By Kenneth Dupree, Smithfield
Western District Woman's Executive Committee: Donna Hol-
land, Ruth Hinton, Esther Barnes, Nancy Duncan, Alma
Dale, Suzanne Coates, Nadine Crocker, Iris Pittman and
Patsy Vick
Mrs. Octavia Edwards, Pine Level
In Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Hilton G. Gurganus
By Mr. and Mrs. James H. Gurganus, Newport
In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Quinn
By Mr. and Mrs. James H. Gurganus, Newport
In Honor of Mr. and Mrs. David E. Manning
By the Rev. and Mrs. Bobby R. Taylor, Middlesex
In Honor of the Rev. and Mrs. T. C. Farmer
By Tee's Chapel Woman's Auxiliary, Smithfield
In Honor of the Rev. Ralph Sumner
By Bridgeton Church, Bridgeton
In Honor of Mrs. Ralph Sumner
By Bridgeton Church, Bridgeton
Young People Fellowship Class of Piney Grove Church, Kenly
In Memory of Willie H. Beville
By Mr. J. P. Watson, Kenly
In Memory of the Rev. Leslie Hawley
By Fidelis Class of First Church of Wilson, Wilson
10
Amo
$10i]
51
51
1CH
5(i
5(
5C
5C
5(
50C
5C
1
5C
5C
5C
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
14
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS
oor
onor of the Rev. and Mrs. Donald Coates
By Mr. and Mrs. Dalton Lee, Selma
emory of Tom Brown and Jack Warren
By Mr. and Mrs. Joe Averette, Greenville
Memory of E. L. Jones
By E. L. Jones Scholarship Fund of Howell Swamp
Woman's Auxiliary, Walstonburg
Honor of the Rev. Rod Jones
By Ladies Auxiliary of Saint Mary's Grove Church, Benson
Honor of Mrs. Rod Jones
By Ladies Auxiliary of Saint Mary's Grove Church, Benson
stside Church, Kinston
Honor of Mrs. Effie Skinner
By Ormondsville Woman's Auxiliary, Ormondsville
Memory of Tom West
By Estell West, Plymouth
diMemory of the Rev. Willie Stilley
ayj By Pilgrim's Home Church, Kinston
[qj, j Memory of Comillos Jackson Liverman
By Mr. and Mrs. Howard Liverman, Columbia
1Ze ' Ion Grove Woman's Auxiliary, Fremont
Honor of Lena C. Harrelson
By the Rev. Neil Harrelson, Whiteville
Memory of Ezra Floyd Harrelson
By the Rev. Neil Harrelson, Whiteville
Honor of Mrs. Mary Stokes
By Edgewood Young Adult Sunday School Class, Maccles-
field
Vlemory of Rosalee Harrell
By Edgewood Young Adult Sunday School Class, Maccles-
field
Memory of Claude Hinnant
irni
Honor of Martha Hinnant
By Mr. and Mrs. Thomas L. Craft Jr.
IHonor of the Rev. and Mrs. Bill Futch
. By Bethlehem Church, Chinquapin
Ayden
;lmer Memorial Church, Raleigh
, konor of the Rev. Norman W. Ard
j By Mrs. Margaret Vause Ard, Pink Hill
Honor of the Rev. Bass M. Mitchell
j, j By Celia Hart Garris Woman's Auxiliary of Ayden Church,
,;; Ayden
.Memory of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Jones
, By Mr. and Mrs. Ralph E. Jones, Beulaville
jl|Honor of Advance Bible Class of Spring Hill Church
By the Rev. and Mrs. William L. Dale, Goldsboro
IHonor of Mr. and Mrs. J. K. Bryan Jr.
J ! By Mrs. Lloyd Vernon, Mount Olive
iHonor of Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Murray Sr.
. By Mrs. Lloyd Vernon, Mount Olive
iHonor of Mrs. Mary Phillips and Thad Miller
! By Mrs. Lloyd Vernon, Mount Olive
: Honor of Mrs. Lettie Tyndall
By Mrs. Lloyd Vernon, Mount Olive
IHonor of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Kelly
J J By Mrs. Lloyd Vernon, Mount Olive
jlijs. Anne P. Jackson, Beulaville
vs. Virginia P. Quinn, Beulaville
EMemory of the Rev. L. E. Ballard and the Rev. Beverly
Ballard
By Belhaven Church, Belhaven
EjHonor of the Rev. and Mrs. Franklin Brinson
j By Edna H. Frazier, Snow Hill
LMemory of Joseph William Frazier Jr.
- By Edna H. Frazier, Snow Hill
IHonor of Lorena Moseley Wyatt
, By Mrs. Margaret Moseley, Winterville
| Grange, First Church, Young Adults Sunday School Class
(Ages 35-55), La Grange
t^temory of the Rev. Hubert Burress
By Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Bell and Mr. and Mrs. Kirby R.
Bell, Farmville
(Continued on Page 19)
j|HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
50
50
300
50
50
150
50
50
100
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
100
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
100
50
THE DEATH PENALTY :
A ONE-HOUR FORUM
The Death Penalty: A One-
Hour Forum will be held at
Mount Olive College
Auditorium, 11 a.m., on March
29, 1984. Admission is free and
open to the public.
The increasing number of ex-
ecutions nationwide has again
called attention to the question
of capital punishment. The re-
cent case of James Hutchins
has focused interest on this
issue in North Carolina. It is a
controversial issue that calls
forth definite and oftentimes
highly charged opinions. To
foster healthy public debate on
the question, a forum will be
held on the above date. Arguing
for the principle of capital
punishment will be Douglas
Jacobs, District Attorney,
Eighth Judicial District. Dr.
Calvin Mercer, professor of
Religion at Mount Olive Col-
lege, will present the case
against the death penalty. Each
presenter will have twenty
minutes. A question and
answer period will follow. Ken
Dilda, Mount Olive College Pro-
fessor of Social Sciences, will
moderate.
YOU'LL BE GLAD
YOU DID!
15
Family Devotion^
SUNDAY,
MARCH 11
Scripture Beading— Deuteronomy 29-31
COURAGE, MY BOY!
A cheerful, encouraging word, spoken by an
English naval officer, saved a youthful sailor
from disgrace and dishonorable discharge. The
sailor was only fourteen years old. During a
fierce engagement with an enemy ship, the
volleys from a number of firearms so frightened
the sailor that he trembled and almost fainted.
The officer, seeing him, came close beside him
and said, "Courage, my boy! You will recover in
a minute or two. I was just like you when I went
into my first battle!" Afterward the young man
said, "It was as if an angel had come to me and
given me new strength ! ' '
Only a word of kindness,
But it lightened one heart of its grief;
Only a word of sympathy,
But it brought one soul relief!
Only a word of gentle cheer,
But it flooded with radiant light
The pathway that seemed so dark before,
And it made the day more bright!"
MONDAY, 19
MARCH 14
Scripture Reading— Deuteronomy 32-34
A LITTLE PUSH AND PULL
A little push when the road is steep
May take one up the hill ;
A little prayer when the clouds hang low
May bring the soul a thrill ;
A little lift when the load bears down
May help one to succeed;
A little pull when the will slows down
May help one gain his speed.
A little clasp from a hand that's kind
May lift from crushing care ;
A little word from a voice that's sweet
May save one from despair;
A little smile when the heart is sad
May bring a sunbeam in;
A loving word when the spirit droops
May help one rise and win.
A little love for a soul that's lost
May help him seek God's grace;
A little tear and a "God bless you"
May brighten someone's face;
A little deed from a Christian's heart
May bless a weary soul;
A little boost when the battle's hard
May take one to his goal.
16
/
Scripture Beading— Joshua 1-3
GOD'S "LARGE PLACE" FOR YOU
When a famous preacher arises, swaying 1
crowds, one by-product is that some of his c<
temporaries begin to imagine that they must
out of God's will or not filled with the Spii
because they are not achieving similar resul
But God is sovereign. He chooses men for spec
tasks, and if one hits the headlines, that is
reflection on the host of little-known ones. I
Spirit divide th severally as He will. A counl
preacher ministering to two hundred people m
be as Spirit-filled to his capacity as was Moo<
Moody had around him many lesser lights w
helped him in his work, who filled their orbits
well as he filled his. And what would the "bii
preacher do without the help of the "small fry!
Seek neither more nor less than God's will SI
you. Do not compare yourself with men above I
below you in station, lest you become depress!
or exalted. Simply find His place for you a J
happily serve Him there.
Anywhere He puts you is a "large place".
WEDNESDAY, ^
MARCH
Scripture Beading— Joshua 4-6
NEVER MIND!
Sometimes, when nothing goes just right,
And worry reigns supreme,
When heartache fills the eyes with mist,
And all things useless seem,
There's just one thing can drive away
The tears that scald and blind—
Someone to slip a strong arm 'round
And whisper, "Never mind."
No one has ever told just why
Those words such comfort bring;
Nor why that whisper makes our cares
Depart on hurried wing.
Yet troubles say a quick "Good-day,"
We leave them far behind
When someone slips an arm around
And whispers, "Never mind."
But love must prompt that soft caress —
That love must, aye, be true
Or at that tender, clinging touch
No heart ease come to you,
But if the arm be moved by love,
Sweet comfort you will find
When someone slips an arm around,
And whispers, "Never mind!"
THE FREE WILL BAPTIJ
TUESDAY, 1 o
MARCH L6
i
URSDAY,
|[ARCH
15
flripture Reading— Joshua 7, 8
MANY ARE WAITING!
The writer was visiting among the sick in the
j|eat Presbyterian Hospital in Chicago. Going
lis c|om bed to bed, he spoke for his Master, Jesus.
iUS(|ghtfall was just coming. The lights in the great
Spjkrd had not yet been turned on. Coming to the
esuj id of an aged child of God, he introduced
spec mself and spoke kindly to the sufferer. Tears of
t is atitude welled in her eyes as she exclaimed,
s i )h, I was just lying here, praying that God
ount 3Uld send someone to speak some words of
leJieer and encouragement!" Her prayer is
(Jroical of the prayers of multiplied thousands in
tsJe streets, in the homes, in the hospitals—
very where!
fij
ill!:
love :
ress !
Oh, that my tongue might so possess
The accent of Christ's tenderness
That every word I breathe should bless!
For those who mourn a word of cheer,
A word of hope for those who fear,
And love to all men, far and near.
Oh, that it might be said of me,
"Surely, thy speech betrayeth thee,
A friend of Christ of Galilee!"
''RID AY,
IARCH
16
,' ripture Reading— Joshua 9, 10
IT ISN'T ENOUGH!
isn't enough to say in our hearts
That we like a man for his ways,
\. isn't enough that we fill our minds
With paeans of silent praise ;
or is it enough that we honor a man,
As our confidence upward mounts,
;'s going right up to the man himself,
And telling him so, that counts!
I a man does a work you really admire,
Don't leave a kind word unsaid
b fear that to do so might make him vain
And cause him to "lose his head."
!ut reach out your hand and tell him,
"Well done," and see how his gratitude
swells ;
isn't the flowers we strew on the grave,
It's the word to the living that tells.
// you have a tender message,
Or a loving word to say,
Don't wait till you forget it,
But whisper it today!
'HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
SATURDAY,
MARCH
17
Scripture Reading — Joshua 11-13
IT'S A SHAME!
A Christian young man left his home in the
country and got a job in a city office. "By God's
help, I'll live a clean, consistent life before the
people with whom I work," he resolved. Some
professing Christians made sarcastic remarks
about him. "He's narrow," they said.
A man in the office, who did not profess to be
a Christian, greatly admired the young man for
his courage. He said, "Stick to what you believe,
sonny. Keep it up! "
The young man thought much about those
encouraging words. "It is a shame," he thought,
"that Christians often gossip about one another
instead of trying to help one another in the Chris-
tian walk. Here is a man of the world giving me
encouragement to continue in the Christian life
at all costs."
How much better and brighter the world
would be if more Christians were using their
tongues to help others and not hinder them.
Portions selected from Knight's Treasury of Illustra-
tions, Walter B. Knight.
WITNEY THE HOBO
appearing in
Ayden Bible and Bookstore
Saturday, March 10, 1-2:30 p.m.
17
Sunday School Lessc
For March 11
JESUS USES
HIS POWER
Lesson Text: Mark 4:37-41;
5:35-43
Memory Verse: Mark 5:36
The most influential man on
that board of officers was the
quietest. But when he cleared
his throat and asked for the
floor in a meeting, the others
listened. His motions and
presentations were seldom
overruled, for this Christian
elder and attorney knew what
he was talking about. His words
carried authority because his
accomplishments had demon-
strated spiritual power in his
own life and in the market-
place.
Power and authority are so
closely related that the same
New Testament Greek word is
translated sometimes as
"power," sometimes as
"authority." Yet in Jesus, as in
our common use of the words,
we see a distinction between
them. Jesus exercised power
over the natural world, over
demons, and over the illnesses
that plagued mankind. They all
yielded to His touch and His
Word, without argument and
without delay. That demonstra-
tion of power over things
established His right to authori-
ty over persons. He taught with
authority and He commanded.
Yet no hearer was compelled to
obey. "If a man love me," He
said, "he will keep my words"
(John 14:23). The Lord
respected the freedom of per-
sonality.
How, then, should the Word
be rendered in Matthew 28:18?
Was Jesus claiming "all
power," as the King James
Version says, or "all
authority," as most of the
newer translations say? It is
true both ways! He showed the
force and the ability to control
wind and wave, demon,
disease, and death. This is con-
vincing evidence that He also
has the right to command and
be obeyed in matters human
and spiritual.
Jesus' ministry in Galilee
was nearing its climax. From
among His disciples He had
chosen the twelve, "that they
should be with him, and that he
might send them forth to
preach" (Mark 3:14). That
called for a special teaching
program in which the twelve
would hear His words to the
multitudes, and then in private
sessions He would explain
things not yet clear to them.
One such occasion took place
beside the Sea of Galilee, as
Jesus sat in a fisherman's boat
and taiiglit the crowds gathered
on the shore (Mark 4:1-34; Mat-
thew 13:1-53).
The day's teaching left Jesus
weary, seeking privacy and
rest. So He directed the
disciples to take their boat, and
Him in it, across the lake to the
rugged eastern shore near the
pagan town of Gadara. Mark,
drawing his information from
the Apostle Peter, supplies the
detail that other boats followed
them.
The events that followed
serve well the purpose of
Mark's Gospel, to show his
power-loving Roman readers
the surpassing power of God's
Son. It was a power not only to
heal the sick and to cast out
demons but also to control the
forces of nature and to thwart
the stroke of the "grim
reaper," even death. There is a
quality almost of raw force
about what Jesus did, quite dif-
ferent from what is found in
most of His ministry.
In our youth we often
responded to some grand pro-
nouncement with a cynical, "So
what?" The question, however,
is not necessarily cynical. It
can ask soberly and seriously,
"What does this mean to me?
What am I to do about it?"
What shall we do about t
power of Christ, so amazing
demonstrated in the stilling
the storm and the raising
Jairus' daughter? Our first ar
right response is awe ar
reverence, like that of til
apostles, recognizing in HiJ
something far more the
human qualities. Then we lo(|
at the kind of power E
displayed — always gentl
always helpful, always savin
to those around Him— and vj
respond with grateful lovl
Furthermore, we see that H'
power went beyond anythir
expected or requested of Hit
The apostles pled for safety I
the storm; the Lord remove
the storm entirely. Jain'
besought healing for his sic
daughter; Jesus brought In
back from death. He is indee'
"able to do exceeding abui;
dantly above all that we ask <!
think" (Ephesians 3:20). V
can trust Him, then, to kno'
and to do more for us than 4
know how to ask. Our rei
sonable response is loving obi
dience to Him who has sj
grandly demonstrated His rigl
to speak and be heard. To H
committed followers the al
powerful Christ assures as E
assured Jairus, "Be not afraiy
only believe" (Mark 5:36;
— Standard Lesson Commei]
tary
SOUND FAMILIAR?
"How is it that you a^l
always so cheerful?" a frier|
asked Bishop William Bur|
"The remark of a little child^
once heard taught me tn
uselessness of grumbling ar|
complaining. The child's fatluj
was a good man, but a chronl
complainer. As I sat with then
in their home, the subject <
food came up. 'What do I litii
best?' the father asked h|
daughter. 'You? Why, Dadd;||
you like mostly everything v|l
haven't got!' "
— Select*!
18
THE FREE WILL BAPTISI
EDITORIAL
(Continued from Page 2)
s
lit
Zil
But he was right. Deciding to follow Jesus and doing it are
wo different things. A lot of people decide to— they just never
;et their act together. You see, following Jesus is a total life-
tyle decision. It's a total kind of commitment— not something
ve try on when convenient. It involves all of our possessions,
ur life goals, abilities, and spheres of influence.
I personally feel this is one of our major problems. Once
/e come to grips with the matter of commitment we can bet-
er examine the status of our church and denomination.
The problems that we face as a denomination cannot be
aAorked through until we are committed. I realize that all of
hose in our ranks will not perceive our potential, all will not
atch a glimpse of the vision of what we can become. Then
gain, many are so satisfied with things as they are, they will
tlMot come to grasp with the fact that "business as usual" will
lean the demise of our blessed church within twenty years.
We will consider the present status of our denomination
nd some means whereby change might be wrought next
/eek. In the meantime, consider the condition of your own
fe: how committed are you?
"Think of the snowflakes it takes to make a ski slope!
hink of the drops of water it takes to fill the sea! Think of the
aliocks it takes to build a mountain! Think of the leaves it takes
3 clothe a tree! Think of the grains of sand that line the
eaches!" The little things combine to make something big.
km 'ou and I can effect change in our church and in the world,
fill we, or don't we care?
(The fact remains: I sing better in a group.)
at
MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE
(Continued from Page 15)
lonor of Bertha P. Silverthorne
By Waverly and Mae Nunnally, Richmond, VA
r<|M:emory of William W. Silverthorne
By Waverly and Mae Nunnally, Richmond, VA
itemory of William W. Silverthorne
lonor of Mrs. Bertha P. Silverthorne
By Their Family
/lemory of Marion Leroy (Roy) Parker
;By Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Hooks, Mount Olive
■konor of the Rev. Henry Armstrong
II By Pleasant Hill Ladies Auxiliary, Pikeville
■ionor of Mrs. Henry Armstrong
If By Pleasant Hill Ladies Auxiliary, Pikeville
■ro Ladies Auxiliary, Micro
lily Ladies Auxiliary, Kenly
I Total
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
88 $4,400
50
50
50
50
50
50
100
50
ATTENTION
EASTERN DISTRICT WA
t's that time again! Our
•ing convention meets March
at Smith's New Home
urch, Kinston, North
rolina. It's located on
fikhway 258, 11 miles south of
Piston.
A special invitation is cor-
dially extended to all ministers
and leaders of our denomina-
tional enterprises.
Plan now to attend and make
this our best convention ever!
Mrs. Rena Kirk, President
Mrs. Mildred Jenkins, Vice President
WOMAN'S AUXILIARY
(Continued from Page 10)
Amy Slaughter and Christopher
Dickerson
the kind of workers they will be
when they grow up, a lot of ac-
complishments will really take
place. They collected $227.50.
COMING EVENTS
(Continued from Page 9)
March 9 — Foreign Missions
Conference and Commis-
sioning Service for the van
der Plas Family, College
Hall, Mount Olive College
March 10 — Piedmont Youth
Convention, 10 a.m., East
Rockingham Church
March 10 — State League Con-
vention, 9:30 a.m., Beaver-
dam Church, near Chad-
bourn
March 17 — Central Youth Con-
vention, 9:30 a.m., Marl-
boro Church
March 17 — Eastern Youth Con-
vention, 9:30 a.m.
March 18 — Second Sunday in
Lent
March 19— Pee Dee Youth Con-
vention, 7:30 p.m.
March 20— First Day of Spring
March 22 — Eastern District
Woman's Auxiliary,
Smith's New Home Church
March 2k~ Western Youth Con-
vention, 9:30 a.m., Calvary
Church
iTiE FREE WILL BAPTIST
19
h
T* he van der Plas Family will leave the Raleigh-Durham Airport on March 16,
1984, bound for the Philippines. Let's have all the needed funds for the Palawan
Bible Institute Printing Department Building at that time !
The Foreign Missions Department has been requesting funds for the construction of
this facility since last March. As of this printing, the Department still needs $7,176.30.
The building area will be 1,840 square feet and the construction cost is figured at $15
a square foot. This building is considered to be one of the greatest needs on the field at
this time. The equipment which will be used in the printing operation presently sits idle
in crates while people are dying without the gospel.
As Free Will Baptists, we have done many things during the past year— but we have
not met this need. Let's do so before the van der Plas Family leaves the States.
20
THE FREE WILL BAPTI!
The Free Will Baptist
CONTENTS
Editorial 2
Feature 3
Weekly Features
News and Notes 5
Mount Olive College 7
Children's Home 9
Foreign Missions 10
Cragmont Assembly 11
Family Devotions 12
Sunday School Lesson 14
Volume 99 Number 10
March 14, 1984
Janie Jones Sowers
Editor
Edited and published forty-eight times a year by
the Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811
North Lee Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513-0158.
Second-class postage paid at Ayden. North Carolina
(USPS 209-4401.
All materials to be placed in any issue must be in
the hands of the editor seven days prior to the
publication date of that issue.
The purpose of this paper is to promote the cause of
Christ among Original Free Will Baptists, and we
reserve the right to refuse any article or news that is
inconsistent with our purpose, programs, or policies,
and that does not reflect a spirit of harmony and
cooperation with the Free Will Baptist Press Foun-
dation and the North Carolina State Convention of
Original Free Will Baptists.
The contents herein do not necessarily reflect the
beliefs or policies of the editor or of The Free Will
Baptist. The responsibility for each article is given
the person whose name appears under the title or to
the person submitting said article.
Items for publication should be addressed to the
Editor, The Free Will Baptist. P O. Box 158, Ayden,
North Carolina 28513-0158.
All subscriptions are payable in advance: one
year, $8.84; two years, $16.12; four years, $31.20 (in-
cluding sales tax for North Carolina residents I;
residents of other states, $8.50, $15.50 and $30 respec-
tively (plus sales tax where it applies I.
EveryFamily Plan: A 25 percent discount given
when local churches send the "Baptist" to the home
of every member; names and addresses to be pro-
vided by churches. Churches are billed quarterly.
Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists" are
sent to one individual who in turn distributes these. A
50 percent discount is offered under this plan.
Bookstore Hours: Ayden, Smithfield, and
Whiteville, 9 a.m.— 5 p.m.. Monday — Saturday.
New Bern, Wilson, and Kinston, 9 30 a.m.— 5 p.m.,
Monday — Satu rday .
Board of Directors
Dewey Boling, President; C. Felton Godwin, Vice
President; Ruth Taylor, Secretary; Adrian Grubbs,
Assistant Secretary; Robert May; Eddie Edwards,
Marice DeBruhl; James Billy Hardee; De Wayne
Eakes; David W. Hansley, Chairman Emeritus.
Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.: Cliff
Gray, Executive Director; Bobby Pennington,
Financial Director; Janie Jones Sowers. Editor of
Literature.
Editorial ■■■■■■■■■■i^H^Hi^^^B
It Is Up to Us! I
"I want my church to grow! "
There is just no telling how many times I have heard thai
comment made.
The second most popular query I hear is: "Why doesn'1
the (Free Will Baptist) Church grow?"
Well, to be quite honest with you, this question has in-
trigued pastors, philosophers, church leaders, and lay people
for centuries. Anyone who believes in church growth as an
ultimate expression of Christian outreach and discipleship I
asks this.
"I want my church to grow . . ."is repeated over and over
again by our generation, a generation which sees its past and
future being overwhelmed by the present. Church growth is
the goal, ambition, dream of people the world over.
Strange thing though, when things are progressing well,
no one seems to ask why, who is responsible, or how. It is only
when things become stagnant that interest develops.
Whenever a church is growing, it must be mirrored i
against the example of the New Testament church: "By the
miracle of her own life, she is an exemplary community, a*
model of what human society should be." The New Testament
church was born of the Spirit; it was an instrument of the
Spirit which grew rapidly— from about 30 people at the Cross
to 120 in the Upper Room, to more than 3,000 on the Day of
Pentecost. The Early Church grew from a lonely, provincial
| body to the boundaries of civilization in 300 years. Thei
members of this church charged full strength ahead with un-i
precedented power, confronting people, government and
religious resistance . . . and their faith turned the world upsidef
down.
As they traveled from Jerusalem to Rome— and even
beyond— these Christians projected the varied and total
ministry of the Lord: they healed the sick, comforted those;
i with sorrows, discipled the newly converted, established andt
developed churches, evangelized the lost. They were not;
i afraid to cross all barriers— racial, economic and social— to?
j pray, praise, worship, fellowship, evangelize, disciple, andi
minister in the name of Jesus Christ.
The Early Church was conceived of mission, nurtured as\
mission, empowered by the Holy Spirit to be on mission. These!
Christians reached out from their home base, grounded ini
God's love as disclosed supremely in the Cross. The Early!
Church had as its mandate the Great Commission; its!
message was triumphant: joy, hope, peace, love, and abun-l
dant life.
The mandate and message have not changed— they are
j ours today.
j Applying them in the confrontation and penetration of
society by believers stands as our responsibility. And if the
church is threatened by survival, it is because it has failed to
accept its mandate or proclaim its message.
We need to discover afresh the wonder and the power and |
the glory of the gospel— therein lies the church's reason for ex-
isting; therein lies our opportunity for sustained, honest,
(Continued on Page 15)
2
THE FREE WILL BAPTII
The Making of Disciples
(Ministry of the Sunday School)
by Marice DeBruhl
A friend recently confided to me that she
Ijlt her church was failing in its primary
ifsponsibility to its people. I was astonished at
Ijr statement as I knew that this particular
Hurch was experiencing phenomenal growth
4 the result of a very successful media
ijinistry. She went on to explain that people
^re being added to the church in large
limbers ; were in attendance for the morning
^prship services and gave liberally of their
ijfiancial means but were not involved in the
wk of the church— were not receiving biblical
laining or being nurtured in the faith. In
recapitulation she added "we are adding
rjembers but failing to make disciples."
This conversation caused me to reflect
Don the ministry of my own church and to
^aluate its success in the making of disciples.
Ijjuickly realized that the most effective tool
Jjr reaching this goal is the Sunday school and
fat realization put the ball squarely in my
ourt as I began to gain new insight of my
i|sponsibility as a Sunday school teacher— my
ijsponsibility to help my students reach their
III potential as Christians and to train them to
1 ke their places in the church. I began to
sssess my strengths and weaknesses as a
| lacher of adults and to establish goals for
: r3E FREE WILL BAPTIST
myself and my class. I realized, too, that this
responsibility for making disciples is shared by
the church and Sunday School Convention as
well as the local teacher and that it is only in
working together as teacher, church and Con-
vention that we can hope to achieve success. A
three-part outline began to emerge in my mind
as I thought of the role each should play in
building a successful Sunday school and I
would like to share my thoughts with the hope
that my concerns might be your concerns as
we look together at the teaching ministry of the
Sunday school.
The Teacher's Role
We should view our role as teachers as a
very special commitment to God to serve Him
through teaching His Word. When we stand
before our class without being adequately
prepared, we have failed in our commitment to
Him and to our church. As teachers we must be
willing to spend time— blocks of time— in
preparation. Many times this is not easy as we
feel pressure from other sources and find
ourselves being pulled in many different direc-
tions, but I am convinced that successful
(Turn the Page)
3
teaching is the result of adequate preparation
and that we must give this top priority in
allocating our time.
I like to begin my preparation one week in
advance by reading the lesson on the preceding
Sunday to familiarize myself with the Scripture
and lesson goal. This is more or less like plac-
ing the material in my own personal memory
bank to be recalled during the week when some
event or circumstance reminds me of the
lesson. Usually by the end of the week I have
formulated some definite ideas with regards to
the lesson presentation and I am then ready to
begin serious research and study. This is ac-
complished in several early morning sessions
when I am alert and not hindered by outside in-
terruptions. I end my preparation by briefly
reviewing my notes early on Sunday morning.
This type of preparation works best for me.
Some other method may be more effective for
you; experiment with several methods, but let
your prime concern be adequate preparation. If
we love God— if we love those we feel called to
teach— then we must appear before them with
something to share.
There are many other aspects of the role of
teacher that I feel are of vital importance such
as sharing the interests and concerns of our
students ; showing them that we love and care
for them as individuals and want to help them
grow spiritually and to achieve success in their
Christian lives. There is no substitute for car-
ing. I am convinced that more people are won
through being loved than through any other
method.
The Role of the Local Church (Sunday School)
It is from the church that we receive our
best list of prospects for visitation. I feel that
the church should work very closely with the
Sunday school in a vital, active visitation pro-
gram that will reach the unchurched and help
the Sunday school grow. Sunday school growth
enhances church growth. The two go hand in
hand.
I believe that a second concern of the
church should be to supervise the selection of
materials to be used in the Sunday school. This
is perhaps best accomplished through the work
of the Sunday school council, comprised of of-
ficers and teachers of the school. For many
years our church used the same materials
without any evaluation as to their usefulness or
without any effort to determine other valuable
helps. This is an area we are addressing at the
present time.
A third contribution I feel the church can
make to the teaching ministry of the Sunday
school is in providing a well-stocked library of
books and materials that will aid the teacher.
Many teachers do not have access to these
4
helps in the home and could greatly benefit ,
from a good church library.
The Role of the Sunday School Convention i
I feel that the Sunday School Convention
has a great opportunity to serve our people ai
also a tremendous responsibility to provide in
centive for growth. The Sunday school
workshops sponsored by the Paul Palmer In-
stitute have been very helpful and well at-
tended by our people. Perhaps these worksho]
should be expanded and enlarged upon with
emphasis placed on strategic concerns of the
teaching ministry of the church. Other course, i
could be offered which would be very helpful 1 1
teachers and which I believe would be of grea
interest. One of the community colleges in oui
area recently offered a course entitled "Carta
in the Christian Community" and we had six
teachers from our church who made the
twenty-mile drive each week in order to take
advantage of the course. The course dealt wit
all phases of caring— from hospital and nursir
home visits— to crisis situations such a ter-
minal illness, death and divorce. This type of
instruction is very helpful.
I also believe the Convention can aid the
teacher by providing— perhaps on an annual
basis— a one-or two-day training session for
teachers and officers of the Sunday school. I I
would hope the session would include two im- i
portant elements: (1) seminars that would pW
vide an environment conducive to the sharing
of ideas and concerns as they relate to the Sui|
day school and (2) instruction by competent |
personnel who possess creative ideas and the
ability to motivate people. I know that I grow ,
"stale" from time to time and suffer from (
"teacher burnout" and I feel that other
teachers suffer from this malady and could
also benefit from this type of program.
A third area in which I feel the Convention
can benefit the teacher is by providing— again
on an annual basis— a list of resource materia,
to be used in connection with the particular j
lesson series and to keep the teacher informed
of new helps that might become available.
Perhaps a committee from the Convention
working with representatives of the Press coii
accomplish this goal.
These are merely the thoughts, ideas and
musings of one teacher— one teacher who is
constantly in search of new and better ideas U
be used in fulfilling her commitment to the
teaching ministry of her church. I realize that
have barely scratched the surface of what I
view as a tremendous challenge— a challenge
to build bigger and better Sunday schools and
in a more personal sense to aid in the building
of disciples. May God bless us as we work
together toward this goal.
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS
News & Notes
EASTERN DISTRICT WOMAN'S AUXILIARY CONVENTION
Kinston
—Special Music, the Rev. A. B.
Bryan, Host Church
—Convention Message, Mattie Lou
Link, Greenville
—Benediction and Blessing
—Announcements, the Rev. A. B.
Bryan, Host Pastor
12:00— Lunch
\ Highway
I \ ™ New Bern
r cisboro \
I Smith's New
Home Church
. Vbout 11 miles South of Kinston on
t Ighway #258. This is Kinston-
r (icksonville Highway. Church is on
It.
ijThe Eastern District
I f Oman's Auxiliary Convention
Trail be held on March 22, 1984,
1 | Smith's New Home Church,
eep Run. The theme will be
Witnessing in His Power."
he Scripture will be taken
lorn Acts 1:8. The scheduled
1 jrogram is as follows :
MORNING SESSION
: 30— Registration
: 55— Prelude
': 00— Hymn
—Welcome, Verdie Hill, Host
Church
i —Response, Agnes Garner, Holly
Springs Church
—Special Music, Connie Morris,
Vanceboro
—Devotions, Virginia Skinner,
I I Arapahoe
—President's Remarks, Rena Kirk
—Business Session
■ I —Camp Vandemere Report, Nina
Grace Register, First Church,
f Kinston
, —Hymn
—Offering and Prayer
—Reports
25— Chorus, "Jesus in Me Loves
You"
C tffi FREE WILL BAPTIST
AFTERNOON SESSION
1:00— Chorus Time with Deborah King
—Prayer
—Reports
1. Free Will Baptist Press, Dola
Dudley
2. Superannuation, Mildred
Hansley
3. Youth, Aileen Hawley
4. Cragmont, Velma Morris
5. Mount Olive College, Happy
Taylor
6. Missions, Deborah King
7. Children's Home and Retire-
ment Homes, Jeanette Lefler
—Miscellaneous Reports and Busi-
ness
—Treasurer's Report
—Benediction
2:00— Adjourn
Pianist, Host Church, Maria Ard Ham
Song Director, Host Church, Annie
Ruth Parrish
Ushers, Host Church
Upcoming Events at
Tee's Chapel Church
The Melody Masters Trio will
be performing at Tee's Chapel
Church on Sunday evening,
March 18, at 7 p.m.
Revival services will begin
on Sunday, March 25, at 7 p.m.
and will continue through
March 29. Monday through
Thursday services begin at 7 : 30
p.m. The Rev. Floyd Cherry
will be the guest evangelist.
The pastor of Tee's Chapel
Church is the Rev. T. C.
Farmer. The church is located
8 miles east of Smithfield on
rural road 1107 (Brogden
Road). Everyone is invited to
attend these services.
Revival Services at
Bethany Church
The Rev. Steve Hargrove,
pastor of Elm Grove Church,
will be the visiting evangelist
for revival services at Bethany
Church near Winterville,
March 18-23. Services will
begin each evening at 7:30. In
addition to the gospel messages
there will be a program of
special music each evening. A
cordial invitation is extended to
the public to attend.
Pleasant Grove Church
Has Sweetheart Banquet
The Rev. and Mrs. Ted Bryant
The members of Pleasant
Grove Church of Erwin held
their woman's auxiliary Valen-
tine sweetheart banquet on Fri-
day, February 17, in the church
fellowship hall. They also
celebrated the birthdays of the
pastor, the Rev. Ted Bryant,
and his wife, Gail.
The banquet was opened with
Scripture reading and personal
testimony by Janice Lucas.
Ronnie Hayes offered grace for
the meal.
A variety of foods, served
buffet-style, was prepared by
the auxiliary members. Lib
McLamb made the ar-
rangements for the dinner.
After dinner, Ann Vann and
Janice Lucas, program
chairmen, presented three
humorous skits with several
church members participating.
Pastor Bryant and his wife
were presented a heart-shaped
birthday cake made by Lib
McLamb. They also received
many presents from the
members.
There were 73 members and
guests present to celebrate the
birthdays and Valentine's Day.
(Turn the Page)
5
Juniper Chapel Church
Has Revival Scheduled
Revival services are sched-
uled at Juniper Chapel Church,
Vanceboro, March 19-23. The
time of the services is 7:30 p.m.
The Rev. Robert May of
Ahoskie will be the evangelist.
The Rev. Harry A. Jones,
pastor, extends an invitation to
attend the services.
Spring Revival at
Smyrna Church
Smyrna Church, Blounts
Creek, will be having its
spring revival, March 19-23.
The time of the services is 7 : 30
p.m. The evangelist will be the
Rev. David Lupton. There will
be special singing each night.
Smyrna's pastor, the Rev.
A. G. Smith, and members cor-
dially invite everyone to attend.
Revival Services at
Mount Zion Church
Revival services will be held
at Mount Zion Church, Nash
County, March 19-23. The time
of the services is 7:30 p.m. The
Rev. Joe Ingram will be the
guest evangelist. There will be
special music each night. The
pastor of the church is the Rev.
Ray Everton. The public is in-
vited to attend these services.
Current News for
Black Jack Church
The Rev. Stacy Carter
Black Jack Church is pleased
to announce the employment of
the Rev. Stacy Carter as full-
time youth director of the
church. Mr. Carter comes to
SOUND SIDE WELCOMES PASTOR AND FAMILY
SOUND SIDE
FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH
WORSHIP JESUS WITH US THIS SUNDAY
= SUNDAY SCHOOL 10=00
WELCOME! REV. C.H. OVERMAN
AND
^== FAMILY
PRAYER BREAKFAST 1ST SUNDAY EACH MONTH 9=00
LAYMEN'S J.EAGUE EACH SATURDAY BEFORE 3RD SUNDA* J
January 15, 1984, was a very special day for Sound Side as the;'
welcomed their new pastor, the Rev. C. H. Overman, and his fami
ly. Actually the atmosphere was very much one of homecoming. Ii
the 1950s when Mr. Overman was just out of college, he came to
Tyrrell County to serve as pastor for Sound Side and Malach
Chapel. He served the people at Sound Side well then, beinj
dedicated and hardworking. The church loved him then and stilj
does. Most of the people at Sound Side remember him for hi.;
sincerity and his close relationship with the Lord, which showed ii!
every aspect of his life. They also think of his interest in the younji
people and the community. He spent countless hours working anf
playing with them and bringing them closer to the Lord.
Now he is back at Sound Side with his wife, Ruby, anc
daughter, Tina. Sound Side had been without a pastor since July
1983, and had been praying long and hard for God's leadership ii
securing one. Then one Sunday, Mr. Overman and his famirj
walked into the Sunday school, just visiting, not knowing that there!
was no pastor, and the Lord took it from there. The people at Sounc
Side feel the Lord sent him to them, and are very humble anc
grateful.
the Greenville area from the
Hillcrest Baptist Church,
Raeford, North Carolina. He is
a graduate of Carolina Bible
College in Fayetteville, a
satellite school of Columbia Bi-
ble College, where he was
trained for the gospel ministry
concentrating in Christian
education and youth ministry.
Mr. Carter has varied ex-
perience in youth work as he
has served several churches as
pastor, associate pastor, or
youth director. Having served
on the New South River
Association Evangelistic Com-
mittee the new youth director
has a tremendous interest ir}
youth evangelism. The people
at Black Jack join Mr. Carter in
his excitement over "what Goes
is going to do through the peo-j
pie here."
Mr. Carter is married to Mrs
Sherry Buie Carter and thej
have three children: Mrs. Wen
dy Carter Graves, 23; Rober
Stacy Carter Jr., 18; and Krist
Nicole Carter, 4. He officiallj
began his duties on January 1
1984, as Black Jack's first youtt
director. For the past 4 yean
he has sung extensively wit!
the Pioneers of Raeford.
6
THE FREE WILL BAPTISE
Governor Jim Hunt will be
jxe guest speaker for Family
estival at Black Jack Church,
n March 28, at 8 p.m.
veryone is invited to come
hd visit with the people at
lack Jack at that time and
ave an opportunity to meet the
jest speaker. There will be a
jrsery provided, children's
wch, and special good old
me gospel singing.
| Mount Olive College
Black Jack Church is having
s spring revival' through
arch 16. The time of the ser-
ces is 7:30 p.m. The Rev. Earl
lenn is the evangelist. The
lblic is invited to attend,
here will be children's church,
mursery provided, and special
iinging each night. The Rev.
'Bdric Pierce is pastor of the
lurch. It is located on Route 3,
• reenville.
pecial Services Noted for
little Bock Church
| The congregation and pastor
if Little Rock Church, Lucama,
jivite everyone to attend five
ights of special services. The
jates are Sunday, March 18,
irough Thursday, March 22.
A special service in sacred
iiusic will be presented on Sun-
ay, March 18, at 7 p.m. Ms.
jhyllis Mayo will be the soloist
hd will be accompanied on the
iano by Mrs. Sarah Rose
/indley. Ms. Mayo has served
Js a missionary to Japan and is
pw employed by the Southern
japtist Foreign Missions
ioard, Richmond, Virginia.
Irs. Windley, a former
jiember of Little Rock now
esides with her family in
laleigh, North Carolina. Little
lock has been blessed by these
idies' witness in sacred song
n two previous occasions and
ake this opportunity to extend
p everyone the privilege of
haring in this worship ex-
erience.
On Monday, March 19,
krough Thursday, March 22,
COLLEGE HALL SEATING PROJECT
W. Burkette Raper, President
Mount Olive College
The seating project for College Hall includes 800 chairs and
1,200 bleacher seats, for a total capacity of 2,000 people on the main
floor. In case of an overflow audience, an additional 300 people can
be accommodated in the balcony.
Individual friends, churches and church organizations are
making a generous response to this project by contributing $50 to
sponsor a chair and $100 to sponsor a bleacher seat. The chair proj-
ect has gone over the top. Gifts and pledges to date for bleacher
seats total 309, leaving a balance of 891 yet to be sponsored.
When the seating project is completed, all gifts will be
recognized on an appropriate chart in the lobby of College Hall. In
addition, gifts for bleacher seats will be recognized with name
plates on the backs of the seats.
We are grateful for all gifts to College Hall, and we encourage
churches, Sunday schools, layman's leagues, woman's auxiliaries,
youth groups, church organizations and individuals to continue
their support to the seating project.
Gifts for bleacher seats may be made in full at one time or in in-
stallments as determined by the donor ($25 monthly or quarterly).
Summary of College Hall Bleacher Seats Through March 5
Contributed
Needed or Pledged Balance
Bleacher Seats ($100 each) 1,200 309 891
Ihe
(Continued on Page 15)
FREE WILL BAPTIST
Chairs: February 28— March 5
Donors
In Memory of the Rev. W. R. Williams and Boyce Williams
By Mrs. Carrena B. Williams, Kenly
In Honor of the Rev. and Mrs. A. B. Bryan
By Smith's New Home Woman's Auxiliary, Deep Run
In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. Heber Cox
By Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Singleton, Ayden
In Honor of Mr. E. D. Griffin
By Layman's League of Greenville, First Church, Green-
ville
In Honor of the Rev. David Hines
By Senior Citizen Members of New Sandy Hill Church, Sims
In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Worthington
By Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Worthington, Ayden
In Memory of Mr. J. T. Braxton Sr.
By Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Worthington, Ayden
In Memory of Mrs. J. T. Braxton Sr.
By Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Worthington, Ayden
In Honor of the Rev. and Mrs. Raymond Sasser
By Senior Citizens Fellowship of Wilson, First Church,
Wilson
In Memory of Edgar Davis
By Young Adult Sunday School Class of May's Chapel
Church, Dudley
In Honor of Charles Johnston
By Young Adult Sunday School Class of May's Chapel
Church, Dudley
Shady Grove Fidalis Sunday School Class, Dunn
Shady Grove Sunday School, Dunn
In Memory of Nannie Mae Jones
By the Children
(Turn the Page)
Number
of
Chairs Amount
1 $ 50
1 50
1 50
50
100
50
50
50
50
50
50
100
50
50
In Honor of Bob S. Jones 1 50
By the Children
In Honor of David R. Kriger 1 50
By Mr. and Mrs. Glenn R. Kennedy, Goldsboro
In Honor of Arthur D. DeHart 1 50
By Mr. and Mrs. Glenn R. Kennedy, Goldsboro
Heritage Mission, Matthews 2 100
In Memory of Hilda Mae Rollins 1 50
By Ellen RNet Barton, Newburg, MD
White Oak Woman's Auxiliary, Bladenboro 1 50
White Oak Youth, Bladenboro 1 50
In Honor of Mrs. Pluma Sullivan 1 50
By Sincere Sunday School Class of Stoney Creek Church,
Goldsboro
Totals 25 $1,250
Bleacher Seats: February 28 — March 5
Number
of
Bleacher
Donors Seats Amount
In Honor of William S. Wilkins Sr. 1 $100
By Mrs. Sallie W. Blanchard and Miss Mary Lou Wilkins,
Rose Hill
Mr. W. M. Raynor, Mount Olive 1 100
Reedy Branch Church, Winterville 1 100
In Honor of Kaye Beddard 1 100
By Mr. Wesley Beddard, Mount Olive
Dr. R. H. Shackelford, Mount Olive 1 100
In Memory of the Rev. Clarence F. Bowen 1 100
By Shady Grove Church, Dunn
Totals 6 $600
GIFT FORM: COLLEGE HALL BLEACHER SEAT ($100 EACH)
Name
Address .
City State Zip .
Church
In Honor of (Person Living)
Name
Send Acknowledgement Card to :
Name
Address .
City State Zip.
In Memory of (Person Deceased)
Name
Send Acknowledgment Card to :
Name
Address
City State Zip .
My gift in the amount of $ will be payable as follows:
$ Herewith
Monthly beginning
Quarterly beginning
As follows
Mail to
Gifts Records Office
Mount Olive College
Mount Olive, North Carolina 28365
Telephone: 919/658-2502
k'1
Endowment of the Week
THE JOHN PRESTON /
AND LAURA B.
WATSON ENDOWMENT
Laura B. and John Preston Watsot\\
The John Preston and Lauil
B. Watson Endowment ;|
Mount Olive College wa(
established as a memorii
to Laura Beville Watsq
(1899-1981) and in honor of hij
husband, John Preston Watsoi|
with whom she shared fift|
three years of married life.
Mrs. Watson was a native <
De Witt, Virginia. A teacher to
profession, she taught in tt
public schools of Virginia an
North Carolina, including Saiit
Mary's School in Wilson Count{
and Kenly and Micro schools iu
Johnston County. She was a
active member of Saint Mary\
Church near Kenly.
The Endowment consists <
real estate in Wilson Count[
which has been given in trust t
Mount Olive College by J. Ij
Watson and his wife, Leoria ([
Watson. Income from the tru$
is payable" to the Watsons fo
life and thereafter to Mour
Olive College.
Mr. Watson has been
member of Saint Mary'
Church for more than half
century. He is a retired deaco
and Sunday school superinter
dent. He was also a Sunda
school teacher for more tha
(Continued on Page 15)
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'
Children's Home
PLAY TIME -THE GROUP
As we have experienced the warm weather, our children have
en part in group activities. The suitable weather allowed for fun
the sun across campus. Being a part of a group < family or social
gbup) is important to all of us. When people live in close proximity
tieach other they become part of a group. Think how important it
i:to you how your family views you. Even after you've grown and
rpved away, you still want their concern, their attention, and their
aproval. To the child in care, the cottage group becomes his
pimary group. Situations and circumstances have brought the
cild to a totally different place to live and the cottage group takes
>'c great importance. We develop our social self through interaction
1 mh our primary group. This means that as a child develops he
'lkms his norms and values from the group with which he lives.
s Car primary group provides the source of emotional satisfaction.
'' EVeryone needs to be trusted, loved, accepted, to belong and to suc-
ceed. All of these are social needs that are met by interaction with
;ckers. This interaction must take place with others who are impor-
1 Hit or significant to us.
j Group child care is an experience designed to help children
,V|iose relationships with other persons have been incomplete,
j There is a difference in the resources of the family and residen-
tjil child care. In the family the responsibility for meeting the
(lild's needs is generally held by the parents. Whereas, in residen-
ts care a team of adults are available for the child. This team in-
j Qdes child care workers, social psychologists, recreational,
rjaintenance, and administrative personnel.
j j The children enjoy their groups (peers) and the group ex-
j Fjriences that give all of us prominence in this world in which we
n e.
Pray for the children individually and for your Child Care
Ijinistry , as we serve through our individual efforts and as a part of
steam to provide "A Christian Home for Boys and Girls."
rtfE FREE WILL BAPTIST
1
FRIENDS OF CHILDREN
You are a friend to children
because of the active part you
take in supporting your child
care ministry.
We are currently caring for
thirty children and we are ex-
cited about the opening of
another cottage. Currently we
are operating State Cottage,
Central Cottage, Parker House
(Independent Living) and
Rodgers Cottage, which was
opened February 24, 1984.
Financially speaking, it will be
difficult to meet the expense of
another cottage, but we are
trusting God and asking our
friends and churches to help
meet this additional cost by giv-
ing that special gift.
Your commitment to pray
has undergirded our ministry
and sustained us, as we con-
tinually seek to be "A Christian
Home for Boys and Girls." We
are asking others to join us in
daily prayer for the child in
need.
We would like to extend to
you a special invitation to be
our guest for lunch on
Founder's Day, May 26, 1984, at
11:30 a.m. After lunch we will
assemble in Memorial Chapel
for our Founder's Day Service.
The remainder of the afternoon
will be given to tours of the
campus and plenty of good
fellowship. Make your plans
now to share with us on this
festive day.
Thank you for your support.
We look forward to seeing you
on Founder's Day.
ATTENTION
Begin now to make
preparations to atttend the 1984
session of the General Con-
ference of Original Free Will
Baptists. This conference will
meet at Tee's Chapel Church
near Smithfield, June 18, 19,
and 20, 1984.
Foreign Missions
The Roshan Lai Family ofNai Basti Colony, India, was brought
to Jesus in April 1983, BECAUSE YOU CARE. The story of their
conversion follows.
"Roshan Lai, father and head
of the family, had an opportuni-
ty to hear the preaching of the
gospel twice by the gospel
teams during the months of
June 1981 and '82. Roshan Lai,
as a matter of fact, was con-
fronted with domestic prob-
lems led by an evil spirit. He
did his best to overcome the
problems. The more he tried
with the help of superstitions
and with the help of Hindu and
Muslim priests the evil spirits
became more and more ag-
gressive and disturbed the life
of each one of the family
members to the extent that
they lost mental balance and
peace completely. The old man,
Roshan Lai, thought of the
Christian faith and the gospel
message he had heard some-
time ago from our evangelistic
team.
He rushed along with his sons
to us and after having an ex-
change of thought with them,
we felt that they needed the
Lord Jesus Christ to take their
problems and to save them for
eternity. This family had wor-
shiped the idols from the very
beginning and were staunch in
their faith. However, little
preaching to them was the
source of mending them to the
life eternal."
Dr. E.M. Lall
India
SEND MORE IN '84
Telethon Theme:
World Missions and You.
WORLD MISSIONS AND
THE LOCAL CHURCH
The local church is a result of
and a participant in the mission
of God. You exist as a local
church because someone
shared the gospel in your area.
The task of the local church,
however, is not limited to a
small geographical area,
where a building is erected, but
is world wide in scope. Prov-
erbs 29:18 says, "Where there
is no vision, the people perish."
I believe that any local body of
believers who will place the
evangelization of the world as
their number one priority will
flourish. Where there is a vision
for the world the people
flourish.
The gospel is for all peopi
all nations. The local churcl
the strength of world misskj
Just as we say the family is
strength of our nation,
weak family means that our
tion is a little weaker. One wi
church for world missii
means that God's plan
world outreach is weakened
The local church is
strength of the world missii
movement, for from the lo
church come prayer warric
missionaries, and resources
complete the Great Comrr
sion. The mission of the chui
is to reach every person
earth with the gospel of Jetj
Christ during his lifetime.
Your local church is imp
tant. What you do for woi
missions determines {
strength.
TELETHON SUNDAY IS
MARCH 25.
CALL AND REPORT
YOUR MISSIONS OFFERD
BETWEEN 1:30 and 5:30 P.]
PHONE (919) 746-4963
CONSTRUCTION BEGINS
Construction was begun
early January 1984, on the n'
building at Palawan Bible
stitute. How exciting to see I
will of God being brought
reality!
The Board of Trustees of 1
Free Will Baptist Chuij
Philippines has awarded
contract for construction a
labor to Mr. Loreto Malina
The Board appointed Antoi)
Somones Jr., Ludgerio Malir
and Fred Baker to oversee 1
project and to purchase
needed materials.
Mr. Loreto Malinao, an eld
ly Christian contractor, w
employed by Palawan Bible '
stitute in 1981, to build t
kitchen and classroc
building. We have been ve
pleased with his previous wo
and consider it a blessing
have his services in tl
10
THE FREE WILL BAPTI
CRAGMONT ASSEMBLY
RECEIPTS
JANUARY, 1984
Total, $6,530.08
ALBEMARLE CONFERENCE
ject. On the job site they
isjre Bible reading and prayer
3<jOre starting the day's work.
Mthe end of the working day
il workers gather around for
upther prayer before going
une.
I Che building will be a two-
lliry concrete structure. When
jiinpleted, the building will
#vide space for an apartment
ifcj the Philippine Director of
(MI, the National print shop,
;IS(tional headquarters office
ui a library/bookstore for
!Pljl. That is putting a lot into
ttjo square feet.
' .dthough giving is greatly
3'jiind the projected schedule,
wj believe God will provide the
i4ded funds for completion.
Viy 1, 1984, has been set as
Binpletion date. We would like
$E FREE WILL BAPTIST
to have the dedication of the
building when our Foreign Mis-
sions Director, the Rev. Harold
Jones, visits our National Con-
vention on April 23 and 24.
Maybe some of you would like
to join him for this trip. Your
life would never be the same
again.
Construction is proceeding
nicely. The concrete posts and
beams are in place and the
second floor has been poured.
God has blessed us to be able to
find the needed materials thus
far.
We need you to be a part of
this project. Your prayers and
support are vital. Thank you for
what you have done and for
what you will do to help make
Christ known to the Filipino
people.
Fred P. Baker
Hickory Chapel
$ 200.00
Mount Tabor
25.00
Mount Zion (Roper)
46.39
St. Paul
20.00
Plymouth, First
50.00
Union Chapel (Plymouth)
28.97
Union Chapel (Middlesex)
10.00
Total
$ 483.51
CAPE FEAR CONFERENCE
Haymount
$ 42.52
Hopewell
76.34
Lee's Chapel Fellowship Class
40.71
Total
$ 159.57
CENTRAL CONFERENCE
Black Jack
$ 30.00
Friendship (Walstonburg)
25.00
Greenville,
First Woman's Auxiliary
10.00
Gum Swamp
100.00
Hugo
125.00
King's Cross Roads
16.74
Marlboro
150.00
Otter's Creek
55.00
Otter's Creek Sunday School
70.03
Piney Grove, Greenville
400.00
Rocky Mount, First
75.00
Rose Hill Sunday School
50.00
Saratoga
114.00
Tarboro, First
250.00
Winterville League
18.98
lotai
$1,489.75
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Bridge ton
$ 26.00
Folkstone
300.00
Holly Springs
250.00
Jackson Heights
132.25
Mount Zion ( Vandemere )
25.00
Oriental
10.00
Pilgrims Rest
5.00
Saints Delight
275.00
St. Mary's
280. UU
Welcome Home
20.00
Total
$1,328.25
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Flood's Chapel
$ 5.00
Free Union ( Spring Hope )
25.00
Milbournie
37.50
People's Chapel Sunday School
10.00
Piney Grove
62.50
Sherron Acres
160.00
Stancil's Chapel Sunday School
130.00
Unity
25.00
Wilson, First
500.00
First Union
175.00
Total
$1,130.00
OTHERS
Verena P. Johnson
$ 300.00
St. Cloud, First, Florida
10.00
Cragmont Club
1,412.50
Memorial Fund
200.00
Miscellaneous
16.50
Total
$1,939.00
11
Family Devotions
SUNDAY,
MARCH
18
Scripture Reading— Joshua 14-16
GET INTO THE WHEELBARROW!
Years ago a strong wire was stretched
across Niagara River, just above the roaring
falls. It was announced that a tightrope walker
would walk on that suspended wire from the
American to the Canadian side. The thrilling mo-
ment for the death-defying fete arrived. Great
crowds watched with wide-eyed wonderment as
the man performed, with calm deliberateness,
the awesome stunt. The people cheered wildly!
Then the performer did an even more daring
thing. He began to push a wheelbarrow with a
grooved wheel across the suspended wire. At the
conclusion of this breath-taking performance,
thunderous applause went up. The performer
observed a boy whose wonderment was clearly
discernible on his bright face. Asked the man,
"My boy, do you believe that I could put you in
this wheelbarrow and push you over the falls?"
"Oh, yes," said the boy quickly. "Then, get in the
wheelbarrow," said the man. Instantly the boy
dashed away! In reality he did not believe that
the tightrope walker could take him safely
across the falls.
How like many of God's children was the
boy! We say we believe in the power of Christ to
pilot us safely "o'er life's tempestuous sea," yet
we fail, at times, to utterly commit ourselves in-
to His pierced hands.
O Thou of little faith,
God hath not failed thee yet!
When all looks dark and gloomy,
Thou dost so soon forget!
MONDAY,
MARCH
19
Scripture Reading— Joshua 17-19
ONLY ONE TOOK AN UMBRELLA
The writer's grandfather, John W. Knight,
was a Methodist circuit rider. Before his conver-
sion, he was a notorious, blatant atheist. When
God saved him his life was totally changed. It is
said that, wherever he went, a revival of "the
old-time religion" broke out. Bishop Pierce, in
his biography of "Uncle Knight," tells some in-
teresting stories of him. The following incident
shows the old circuit rider's faith. A destroying
drought had cast its sear mantle over the coun-
tryside. Crops were withering and lying in the
parched fields. "Uncle Knight" and others
wended their way to the little Crawford Church
in Putnam County, Georgia, to pray for rain.
12
"Uncle Knight," however, was the only one vl
took an umbrella with him to the prajf]
meeting. On bended knees the old man began
pray as follows: "O, Lord, we need rain. O, Lo
we need much rain. O, Lord, we don't want a
drizzly-drazzly rain. We want a gully-washei|
God as He always does, honored the simple fa
of the old circuit rider, and the people soon knj
the answer to the ancient question, "Where is 1
Lord God of Elijah?"
Oh, doubt not any longer,
To Him commit thy way;
Whom in the past thou trusted,
And is the same today!
TUESDAY,
MARCH *0
Scripture Reading— Joshua 20, 21
AUTUMN LEAVES
Upon the breeze, the autumn leaves
Are carried thither, yon;
They rest at last, upon the grass,
One moment, then they're gone.
They're tossed about, and in and out,
They fly across the way;
And up and down, they sail around—
The wind they must obey.
Now, if you please, the autumn leaves
Are much like most of us ;
We're tossed about, by fear and doubt,
And things we rare discuss.
This need not be, for you or me—
There is a surer way ;
The solid Rock, will bear the shock,
No matter what the fray.
He who believes, is not like leaves,
That drift with every wind;
His faith is fixed in God, unmixed
With doubts that Satan sends.
He walks with God, while earth he trods—
He's led by pow'r Divine;
When life is through, beyond the blue,
He'll dwell in lands sublime.
Faith is dead to doubts, dumb
discouragements, blind to impossibilities, knot
nothing but success. Faith lifts its hands i
through the threatening clouds, lays hold of Hi
who has all power in Heaven and on earth. Fai
makes the uplook good, the outlook bright, the i
look favorable, and the future glorious.
THE FREE WILL BAPTK
Wednesday, 21
f ARCH
Si ipture Reading- Joshua 22-24
\ BECAUSE THE MASTER SAID IT
i I A schoolmaster gave three of his pupils a dif-
ifljult problem. "You will find it very hard to
st|ive," he said, "but there is a way." After
■treated attempts, one of them gave up in
tispair. "There is no way!" he declared. The
•bond pupil had not succeeded, yet he was smil-
tajr and unconcerned. "I know it can be ex-
piined, because I have seen it done." The third
«|rked on, long after the rest had given up. His
had ached and his brain was in a whirl. Yet as
h went over it again and again, he said without
fitering, "I know there is a way, because the
Blister has said it." Here is faith— that con-
fi ence that rests not upon what it has seen, but
upn the promises of God.
] Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredi-
b?, and receives the impossible.
1HURSDAY, 02
IARCH
ipture Reading— Judges 1, 2
BOY, DROP! I'LL CATCH YOU!
Your condition is like that of a lad in a burn-
tk house, who escaped to the edge of the win-
dW, and hung on to the windowsill. The flames
vire pouring out of the window. The lad would
son be burned, or, falling, would be dashed to
ppces. He therefore held on with a deathlike
citch. A strong man below said, "Boy, drop! I'll
etch you!" Now it was no saving faith for the
My to believe that the man below was strong. He
right have known that and perished. It was sav-
i i faith when the boy let go and dropped down
i:o the big man's arms. You are a sinner, cling-
t j to your own sins or to your good works. The
Sviour pleads, "Drop! Drop into My arms!" It
inot working that will save you. It is trusting in
tat work which Jesus has already done.
Trust, and the moment you trust you are
sued/
IARCH ™
•ipture Reading— Judges 3-5
FAITH THAT SAVES
Some years ago, two men, a bargeman and a
cllier, were in a boat above the rapids of a
ctaract, and found themselves unable to
ranage it, being carried so swiftly down the cur-
rnt that they must both inevitably be borne
c wn and dashed to pieces. One was saved by
HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
grasping a rope that was thrown to him. The
same instant that the rope came into his hand, a
log floated by the other man. The thoughtless
and confused bargeman, instead of seizing the
rope, laid hold on the log. It was a fatal mistake ;
they were both in imminent peril; but the one
was drawn to shore, because he had a connection
with the people on the land, while the other,
clinging to the loose, floating log, was borne ir-
resistibly along, and never heard of afterwards.
Faith has a saving connection with Christ. Faith
is on the shore, holding the rope, and, as we lay
hold of it with the hand of our confidence, He
pulls us to the shore; but our good works, having
no connection with Christ, are drifted along down
to the gulf of fell despair.
The steps of faith fall on the seeming void,
but find the rock beneath.
SATURDAY,
MARCH
24
Scripture Reading— Judges 6, 7
HE IS ABLE
Canst thou take the barren soil
And with all thy pains and toil
Make lilies grow?
Thou canst not. O helpless man,
Have faith in God— He can.
Canst thou paint the clouds at eve?
And all the sunset colors weave
Into the sky?
Thou canst not. O powerless man,
Have faith in God— He can.
Canst thou still thy troubled heart
And make all cares and doubts depart
From out thy soul?
Thou canst not. O faithless man,
Have faith in God— He can.
Faith is the outstretched hand of the soul tak-
ing what Christ offers.
Portions selected from Knight's Treasury of Illustra-
tions, Walter B. Knight.
STATE SUNDAY SCHOOL
CONVENTION
Saturday, March 31
College Hall
Mount Olive College
Mount Olive, NC
Registration— 9 a.m.
Sunday School Lesso
For March 18
JESUS ENCOUNTERS
HOSTILITY
Lesson Text: Mark 2:14-17,
23-28; 3:1-6
Memory Verse : Mark 2 : 17
Vigilante is a word not often
complimentary, and that is a
shame; for people usually
become vigilantes with the best
of intentions. A vigilante is a
member of a vigilance commit-
tee, and a vigilance committee
is "a volunteer committee of
citizens for the oversight and
protection of an interest;
especially a committee
organized to suppress and
punish crime summarily, as
when the processes of law ap-
pear inadequate."
On America's Western fron-
tier, when the regular forces of
law and order were spread thin
and the "wild, wild West" was
gaining its reputation, solid
citizens formed vigilance com-
mittees to deal with murderers
and thieves. Their activity of-
fered a significant measure of
protection and gained respect.
But the vigilantes, unre-
strained in relation to the fine
points of law, sometimes
perpetrated terror in the name
of justice, and they came to be
feared as much as respected.
They were often the "bad
guys" in the final writing of
history.
Their position can help us to
understand the Pharisees of
New Testament times, who ap-
pear as the "bad guys" in the
lesson before us.
A group known as the
Hasidaeans or Hasidhim ("the
pious") arose as a sort of
theological vigilance commit-
tee among the Jews in the times
between the close of the Old
Testament and the beginning of
the New. Concerned with a
growing tendency toward
liberalism in the politically
oriented priesthood in
Jerusalem, they declared an
uncompromising devotion to
the law of Moses. One phase of
this movement became the
Pharisees, or "separated ones"
a society bound to observe the
regulations concerning the Sab-
bath, tithing, and ceremonial
purity. Widely respected for
their knowledge of Scripture
and their moral purity, they ex-
erted great influence among
the people in Jesus' day. But
like other vigilantes, the
Pharisees developed a sort of
"tunnel vision," losing sight of
any values outside their own
special field, and considered
themselves exempt from judg-
ment.
Jesus' ministry was offensive
to the Pharisees from its begin-
ning. He ignored or rejected
their official interpretations of
Scripture. He demanded a
thoroughgoing devotion to God,
rather than mere conformity in
outward actions. He associated
with people they considered un-
touchable. He gained a follow-
ing that threatened their posi-
tion as revered religious
leaders. This confrontation ap-
pears dramatically in the in-
cidents recorded in Mark
2:1—3:6. These events prob-
ably did not occur in quick and
direct succession, but all took
place rather early in Jesus'
public ministry. They centered
in or near Capernaum, on the
northwest shore of the Sea of
Galilee.
A well-known church song
asks, "Who is on the Lord's
side? Who will serve the
King?" Its refrain answers con-
fidently, "We are on the Lord's
side, Saviour, we are Thine."
The Pharisees would have sung
that theme with great en-
thusiasm. They wanted to be on
God's side, and they had no
doubt that they were. Unfor-
tunately they were so preoc-
cupied with sides that they
forgot the Lord. Tithing,
ceremonial purity, and the Sa
bath were of the Lord, so tht
gave themselves wholly
these things, opposing any hiij
of violation. But in doing i
they neglected or violated oth<
things of God— justice, mercj
humility, and love (Matthe
23 : 23 ) . In these they came up £
enemies of the God the
claimed to serve.
Christians face the sarr,
hazard. The church, the o:
dinances of Christ, and the B
ble are of Christ, and so mer
our loyalty. But in defendin
these things we must nevt,
forget the Lord himself, o
whom their value depends. H
gifts of faith, hope, and lov
must permeate all we do, or w
shall find ourselves opposin,
the very Lord we claim, an
facing His condemnation. Th,
last line of that "Lord's side,
song is all-important,
"Saviour, we are Thine. |
— Standard Lesson Commei
tary
YOU'LL BE GLAD
YOU DID!
14
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS
EDITORIAL
I (Continued from Page 2)
neaningful growth in numbers, in maturity, in ability to in-
iluence the world around us. The church was not created to be
stagnant. Nor was it created to be "secure." Whenever any
ictivity undercuts our ability or willingness to push toward
jiblical demands, growth ceases.
The challenge is ours today. We must accept the claims
ind promises of Jesus Christ; we must herald forth the
nessage of the gospel: Jesus is Lord of life and death; He is
;he hope of mankind. As His followers, we must be examples
of His life and death by means of our witnessing, discipling,
lealing; we must create an atmosphere in which church
growth results.
Church growth is our Lord's intent.
It is His desire.
It is time that we see that it is the goal and call of every
eliever.
MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE
(Continued from Page 8)
denty-five years. Before
wirement he was a farmer,
Mlding superintendent and
bilders supply salesman.
in announcing the Wat-
ls|i Endowment, President
V Burkette Raper stated, "It
kJ investments of this type
*|ich will assist Mount Olive in
bpoming a four-year college
ail which will also help to
asure the quality of its educa-
tijial services for generations
txcome."
TELEPHONE NUMBERS
FOR COLLEGE HALL
Telephones have been in-
stalled in College Hall. The new
numbers are 658-5056 and
658-5057.
The office of the vice presi-
dent for Student Affairs, the
Athletic Department, the nurse
and the assistant director for
College Hall can be reached at
the above numbers.
COLLEGE SINGING GROUPS TO PERFORM
i The New Creations
March 18 11 a.m., Edgewood Church, Edgecombe County
7 p.m., Kenly Church, Johnston County
Mount Olive College Singers
March 23 11 a.m., Jim Burns TV Show, WECT-TV (Channel 6)
6 p.m. and 7 p.m., Independence Mall, Wilmington
NEWS AND NOTES
(Continued from Page 7)
sjrvices will be held. The time
under the direction of Ms.
Cathy Medlin, director of
little Rock's spring revival music, will provide special
music each evening as well as
special invited guests.
The Little Rock people
welcome everyone to come and
share in these services with
the services is 7:30 p.m. The
sv. Bruce Dudley, interim
stor of the First Church,
nston, will be the guest
sjeaker for the services. Mr.
I'ldley is a dynamic speaker,
\bll known and respected for
13 service and contributions
£pong Free Will Baptists. The
Ittle Rock Chancel Choir
WE FREE WILL BAPTIST
them.
Special Services at
Kenly Church
The New Creations of Mount
Olive College will be in charge
of the evening worship service
on Sunday, March 18, at Kenly
Church. The time of the ser-
vices is 7 p.m. This group will
present a program of music,
song and testimony.
Kenly Church will be in
revival services Monday
through Friday, March 19-23.
The time of the services is 7:30
p.m. There will be special sing-
ing. The Rev. Keith Cobb,
pastor of Fremont Church, and
an instructor at the Carolina Bi-
ble Institute, Pine Level, will be
the guest evangelist. The
pastor, the Rev. James Joyner,
invites everyone to attend these
services.
Revival and Concert at
Free Union Church
Revival services will be held
March 19-23, at Free Union
Church, Walstonburg. The time
of the services is 7:30 p.m. The
Rev. Wayne King, pastor of
Westside Church, Kinston, will
be the visiting evangelist.
On March 25, a special con-
cert will be presented at Free
Union Church, Walstonburg by
Jack and Julia Bircher from
Core Creek Church, Cove City.
The concert will begin at 6:30
p.m.
The pastor, the Rev. Calvin
Heath, and congregation ex-
tend a warm welcome to
everyone to join them in revival
services and to come hear this
talented couple.
Eastern District Youth to Meet
The Eastern District Youth
Convention will meet on Satur-
day, March 17, at St. Mary's
Church in New Bern. The
highlights of this meeting will
be the various competitions.
The Convention will begin at
9:30; and lunch will be served
by the host church.
NOTICE
The Western Conference
Layman's League Convention
will be held at Sherron Acres
Church, 1306 Lynn Road,
Durham, Monday, March 19,
1984, at 7:30 p.m. All laymen
are urged to attend.
Fred Boykin, Secretary
15
/
soutHeJ!Uel
$12.50
$25.00
$35.00
$45.00
$55.00-
$65.00-
Five
People
Six
People
America's Top
Gospel Grou|
In 1982
Participate a|
have an
opportunity
to sing and
study wil
Professional:
Free
materials to
participants.
Co1
Z\9-
23>
-The
FreeWill
Baptist
0F
mm
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 1984, AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA
The Free Will Baptist
CONTENTS
Editorial 2
Feature 3
Weekly Features
News and Notes 6
Foreign Missions 8
Children's Home 10
Mount Olive College 11
Camp Vandemere 13
Family Devotions 14
Home Missions 15
The Best Hour of the Week 4
Our Challenge in the '80s 5
The Christian Nurturer 11
Volume 99 Number 11
March 21, 1984
Janie Jones Sowers
Editor
Edited and published forty-eight times a year by
the Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811
North Lee Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513-0158.
Second-class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina
(USPS 209-440).
All materials to be placed in any issue must be in
the hands of the editor seven days prior to the
publication date of that issue.
The purpose of this paper is to promote the cause of
Christ among Original Free Will Baptists, and we
reserve the right to refuse any article or news that is
Inconsistent with our purpose, programs, or policies,
and that does not reflect a spirit of harmony and
cooperation with the Free Will Baptist Press Foun-
dation and the North Carolina State Convention of
Original Free Will Baptists.
The contents herein do not necessarily reflect the
beliefs or policies of the editor or of The Free Will
Baptist. The responsibility for each article is given
the person whose name appears under the title or to
the person submitting said article.
Items for publication should be addressed to the
Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box 158, Ayden,
North Carolina 28513-0158.
All subscriptions are payable In advance: one
year, $8.84; two years, $16.12; four years, $31.20 (in-
cluding sales tax for North Carolina residents ) ;
residents of other states, $8.50, $15.50 and $30 respec-
tively (plus sales tax where it applies).
Every-Family Plan: A 25 percent discount given
when local churches send the "Baptist" to the home
of every member; names and addresses to be pro-
vided by churches. Churches are billed quarterly.
Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists" are
sent to one Individual who in turn distributes these. A
50 percent discount is offered under this plan.
Bookstore Hours: Ayden, Smithfield, and
Whiteville, 9 a.m.— 5 p.m., Monday— Saturday.
New Bern, Wilson, and Kinston, 9:30 a.m.— 5 p.m.,
Monday — Saturday .
Board of Directors
Dewey Bollng, President; C. Felton Godwin, Vice
President; Ruth Taylor, Secretary; Adrian Grubbs,
Assistant Secretary; Robert May; Eddie Edwards,
Marlce DeBruhl; James Billy Hardee; De Wayne
Eakes; David W. Hansley, Chairman Emeritus.
Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.: Cliff
Gray, Executive Director; Bobby Pennington,
Financial Director; Janie Jones Sowers, Editor of
Literature.
Editorial
/
"Christian" Preferences
"Jesus said, 'My church.' And He lets me say, 'Mj
church.' The church is the body of Christ; I am part of thai
group of baptized believers who meet for worship, learning
and fellowship. Those believers depart to serve and take thej
church from the sanctuary to the marketplace. My impression
is I would live an impoverished life if I did not have 'mvp
church' " (R. C. Puckett, Biblical Recorder, January 21,1
1984).
I wholeheartedly agree. The trouble is, those around us
live an impoverished life because we do not take the message]
of the church— the gospel— from the sanctuary to the!
marketplace.
I feel very strongly about this.
The church is the nerve ends through which Jesus Christ
can reach all generations. We are supposed to be "the continu-
ing expression of His humanity, of His concern for all human
beings, of His relationship to them. The church should be the
bastion of the soul, the reservoir of His authority and
resources on earth." It is in the church that human beings
shackled by their own moral uncertainties, willful
debaucheries, perverted natures, blighted desires, and gnaw-J
ing weaknesses can find freedom and peace.
But you and I are not reaching out.
Instead we "prefer" to do several things: we either)
"prefer" to exalt ourselves collectively or on an individualii
basis. Some churches feel that by stressing their comfortable
facilities, paved parking lot, minister's ability, and/or'
specialized ministry, they are being evangelistic. Such an ap-:'
proach is to be faulted if the underlying spiritual purpose ofi
the congregation is overlooked. You see, a congregation which
constantly points to itself misses the true reason for its ex-!
istence— the spreading of the gospel.
The second activity we involve ourselves in is much more1
dangerous. People like to feel important— and I believe every ;
individual is— but none of us is perfect. Church members often!
feel as though they have all the answers. When their opinions
are not accepted or when they are not in the forefront, they'
feel threatened. It then becomes so easy for them to "tear)
down." I truly believe that we as Christians could accomplish!
much if we used our energies as we have been directed by the!
Lord. Consider this: Which is more important, the color a wallf
is painted or the condition of the person's soul who painted that li
wall? What difference will it make next month that someone
didn't see eye to eye with you— if that individual passes from
this life to the next without knowing Christ? I cannot under-
stand why we prefer to argue over trivial matters while so
many around us are on their way to Hell. Why don't we see
what we are doing— and not doing?
Several weeks ago a young friend shared a startling thing
with me. This sixteen-year-old had been "blessed" with the
realization that many of her friends and acquaintances did not
(Continued on Page 17)
2
THE FREE WILL BAPTI!
THE CHURCH
AND CHRISTIAN
EDUCATION ■
ORK TOGETHER
by A. Stanley Jenkins
"And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in
favour with God and man" (Luke 2:52).
i We believe the church is a worshiping
epwship. This fellowship is bound together by
tijgrace of God through Jesus as Lord and
iaiour. The common bond of God's grace
nirks each person as one of the redeemed;
hjt is, one who has realized in his life God's
o-!ng forgiveness.
We believe the church is the congregation
if&od's people seeking to do His will. The
hjrch exists to share the redemption of God
I to make available to all men the redemp-
icji found through faith in Jesus the Christ,
ftjs is accomplished both in fellowship, wor-
iWp and service. It is our task as the church of
J*jl to minister to the people of our church and
k\ community in such ways as to help them be
iA|ire of God's self -disclosure and seeking love
njesus Christ to the end that they may know
m they are, what their human situation
nlans and grow as sons of God rooted in the
:hrch. Therefore, to accomplish this task we
nst have a good program of Christian educa-
m.
We believe that Christian education is the
ring of the knowledge of the Christian life
ujl thought with every generation and sharing
r^uch a way that God in Christ can do His
^emptive work in each human life. It in-
Bves the Christian home and the church. It in-
Hves the individual as he makes a personal
ijlsion and it has an impact on society in
alms of personal responsibility. It is con-
:<fned with history because God revealed His
if through historical events. It involves the
Bole, for it is God's Word to man. It begins
T*E FREE WILL BAPTIST
and ends with personal relationships, first with
God and also with our fellowman.
The supreme purpose of Christian educa-
tion is to enable persons to become aware of
the seeking love of God as revealed in Jesus
Christ and to respond in faith to this love in
ways that will help them grow as children of
God, live in accordance with the will of God
and sustain a vital relationship to the Christian
community. Christian education must meet the
needs of the child as he explores his world and
makes decisions and assumes responsibilities.
The basic need of children is love so they
can learn to love and accept others, so they can
have faith and confidence in people in order
that they can experience faith and confidence
in God. The child needs to see the Bible in the
life of the teacher as well as in the lesson
taught. The teacher must create a relationship
of loving trust, then the child will learn to
respect himself and see himself as someone
God loves, for without trust the child cannot
receive God's love, and as the child ex-
periences God's love he will love others in
return. This is Christian growth.
In terms of Christian education it is that
point where he reaches out and forms a rela-
tionship that he is able to maintain at his age
and level of development. Growth is not a
change of life, but as it involves a physical
"growing up" it involves social and
psychological "growing up" as well. The child
grows in character and wisdom as well as in
size. The end result of growth for the person in-
volved in Christian education is to grow in
( Turn the Page )
religious insight and fellowship, involving his
total personality as he participates in the life of
the Christian fellowship.
Other than the student, the most important
person involved in Christian education is the
teacher. The teacher should love each student
as he is, simply because God loves all men as
they are. This is a clue to the right start in
Christian teaching. The relationship between
student and teacher does not come easily or
quickly. It comes with much effort and prayer
together. It helps to know the student's name,
home and school background, abilities, per-
sonal interests and concerns ; and to keep track
of responsiveness in class ; to have good
cooperation between teacher and parents ; and
much more. To do this requires good training,
so the bottom line is OUR TEACHERS MUST
HAVE GOOD TRAINING.
THE BEST HOUR OF THE WEEK
by the late Rev. Graham Faucette
The Rev. Graham Faucette, author of this article, died
Thursday, March 8, 198k, at the age of 67. Mr. Faucette
served as the pastor of St. Mary's Free Will Baptist
Church, Kenly, North Carolina.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Amie Pope Faucette;
two sons, Bonnie, of Raleigh, and Mike of Kenly; one
sister, Mrs. Fanny Anderson of Washington; and two
grandchildren.
A cartoon showed a man standing in front
of a new church building with a friend and say-
ing, "It's a beautiful church. It sleeps 1,500."
To most ministers that joke is too painful to
be funny. We have memories of people trying
to keep their eyes open that are too real to be
funny.
We realize that Sunday morning service is
not that way for everyone. If being in church
bores you, there is something that you can do
about it. The answer is not to blame the pastor
or slip some rock and roll music into the choir
folders. There is a solution you can do apart l
from these. Plan to get something out of the /!
service. Go seeking a blessing, and God will
give you one. Here are some things that coul(
help you.
Go to bed on Saturday night and not on
Sunday morning. Saturday might be a great
night for you to go out, but if you stay up unti
one or two o'clock Sunday morning, it will tal
a Super Bowl to keep you awake on Sunday
morning.
Get straightened out spiritually before th<
service. If you go to church with your heart ft
of sin, you will not hear anything that goes on
When a person feels guilty it's hard to sit still
and feel comfortable. If a person is mad with
someone in the church and is determined to g
even, the Spirit is quenched.
Ask God for something. Tell Him that you
just don't want to be a spectator. Ask Him to
give you something out of the service. When
you sit down tell Him to bless you and that yoi
are ready to learn more about Him.
Come to communicate. When the choir
sings, listen to the words instead of trying to \
guess the price of someone's dress. When you
listen to the words you will feel a lot closer to
the Lord. When someone prays, that is the
right time for you to pray for yourself and nol
try to listen to the words. Take notes if you
want to; it will help keep your mind alert. Yoi
might be surprised just how much this will he'
you.
Apply the message to yourself. Claim the
morning message for your very own. Don't
think within yourself that you are glad that
Fred is here. He really needs this message
after all the things that you've seen him do.
Apply it to yourself, and don't dodge and hope,
that it will hit someone who really needs it.
There may be a large crowd, but God wants t<
speak to you alone. Why not let Him?
Plan to practice what you hear. A church
not an art appreciation club. It can be and wil
be a life-changing experience if you will just 1<
it have its way in your heart. Whatever the
message is about, ask how you can put it to
work in your life. You might find that it will
begin even before you leave the church.
Thank God for the service, no matter wha
might happen during the service. If the soloist
falls off the platform, or the usher drops the o!
fering plate, or the pastor starts to stutter, jus
thank God and look for a blessing and you will
surely find one. Ask God to do something for
you and He will, so go ahead and thank Him fc
it now. He will not let you down. You fail the
Lord many times but He never fails you.
If you will just put these things to work thi
Sunday morning, you will find the eleven
o'clock service to be the best hour of week.
4
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS
OUR CHALLENGE IN THE '80s:
NIDO QUBEIN' S PIERSON LECTURE
by Pepper Worthington
If.
I Dr. Michael Pelt, left, welcomes his former student and
m Pierson lecturer, Nido Qubein, to the campus.
"It is important to go back from whence
jje come and know what is our heritage," said
ido Qubein, the Pierson Lecture speaker at
ount Olive College's Cultural Arts and Lec-
ires Series. Having written and edited over 29
'adership books, Qubein is now President of
beative Services, Inc. Last year Qubein spoke
every state except three, in 27 countries
"ound the world, and in addition he managed
i be productive in radio broadcasts, writing,
Kd editing. He began his public speaking
ireer while a student at Mount Olive College.
"You've got to live your life from the inside
ft," declared Qubein. "Leadership is an
Jtgrowth of excellence. Leadership comes
om the inside out and can be developed."
To build leadership, Qubein emphasized
vo essentials— learning leadership by
Ssociating with great people and by develop-
listening skills. Qubein insisted in his
beech, "Our Challenge in the '80s," that this is
fie decade where leadership skills and listen-
ig skills must be developed. And the develop-
ment begins from the inside out. "
"Listening is a hearing talent turned into a
kill," said Qubein. "If we have an ill in our
pciety, it is the lack of listening skills. The
Jiallenge of the '80s is the challenge of effec-
ve communication. The challenge of the '80s
HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
is to connect one person with another person,
one mind to another mind. We must learn to
relate to one another."
Qubein offered suggestions for creating
leadership within. "Every day of my life is a
test," he said. "And my attitude makes the dif-
ference." The trait of a positive attitude makes
a leader. A leader who acts positive will be
positive. Qubein noted, "We do indeed set the
stage for our life and what we might do with
it."
A second trait necessary for a leader in the
'80s is the spirit of enthusiasm. In its
etymology, enthusiasm (from the Greek en +
theos) means God in you, full of God, inspired
by God. "The spirit of enthusiasm is the
challenge of the '80s. If we wish to have
something, we can make it happen. When a
problem comes, the leader can accept the
problem for what it is but always have within
the strength to resolve it. The spirit of en-
thusiasm gives this strength, for, you see, the
leader lives the life from the inside out."
With the spirit of enthusiasm, a leader may
see time in its present tense as the crucial
time. "Today," Qubein smiled, "is the best day
of my life. Why? Why? Because yesterday is
gone like a canceled check. Tomorrow is a
promissory note. But today is right here, right
now like cash."
With a quick glance, Qubein asked, "Do
you know why leaders burn out? Do you know?
Well, I shall tell you, my friends. Leaders burn
out because they try to achieve certain things
and cannot. But, believe it or not, some leaders
burn out because they try to achieve certain
things and do and then are so terribly disap-
pointed at the result. They begin to ask
themselves— is that all that there is?"
The challenge then of the '80s is the
challenge of the journey in living— a journey
which needs to be lived from the inside out,
which needs leaders who have the spirit of en-
thusiasm and the art of listening. Qubein in-
sisted, "Success is in the journey not in the
destination. The torch to the future has been
passed to us."
Emphatically Qubein said, "The time has
come for us to put our hands to the plow and
not to look back."
(Dr. Pepper Worthington is a Professor of English
Literature and Language at Mount Olive College.)
(
5
News 81 Notes
REVIVAL TIME
Through March 23
Daniels Chapel Church, Wilson
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Rev. Marvin Waters,
evangelist
The Rev. Earl Glenn,
pastor
Faith Church, Route 2, Four
Oaks
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Rev. Ted. Bryant,
evangelist
The Rev. Hubert Stanley,
pastor
March 26-30
Gum Swamp Church, near
Greenville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Rev. Robert Strick-
land, evangelist
The Rev. Ray Williamson,
pastor
First Church of Warsaw
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Rev. Jerry English,
evangelist
The Rev. Foy Futrell,
pastor
Verona Church, 7 miles south of
Jacksonville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Rev. Noah Brown,
evangelist
The Rev. Boyd Shook,
pastor
Pleasant Hill Church, Highway
k3 South, near Calico
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Rev. Scott Sowers,
evangelist
Rose Hill Church, Route 1,
Winterville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Rev. Grady Tucker,
evangelist
The Rev. Leon Harris,
pastor
March 26-31
Owens Chapel Church, Route
3, Elm City
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Rev. Earl H. Glenn,
evangelist
The Rev. Melvin Moore,
pastor
April 2-6
Elm Grove Church, near Ayden
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Rev. Gary Bailey,
evangelist
The Rev. Steve Hargrove,
pastor
Sweet Gum Grove Church,
Route 1, Stokes
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Rev. Fred Rivenbark,
evangelist
The Rev. David Hill, pastor
Standi 's Chapel Church, Route
2, Kenly
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Rev. Jack Lassiter,
evangelist
Union Grove Church
Undergoes Renovation
Union Grove Church con-
ducted a major renovation
project in 1983, which included
the addition of a porch, enlarge-
ment of the vestibule, and the
addition of a new ceiling, lights
and carpet in the sanctuary.
The renovations were made
possible through a donation
made to the church.
The present sanctuary,
located between Fremont and
Pinkney, was built in 1886. The
church was constructed on land
donated by Exum Edgerton.
The Rev. J. H. Worley was the
pastor and also a carpenter. He
did much of the construction.
Other members donated timber
and labor.
The Rev. C. Ray Taylor is the
pastor of Union Grove. He
begun his duties in July of 1983.
First Church
Gets Music Director
First Church, Rocky Mount,
is pleased to announce the re-
cent calling of Carlton Livesay
Carlton Livesay
as music director. Mr. Liveis
will be planning and direct^
the musical program for I
church. He graduated fr||i
North Carolina Wesleyan vk
a B.A. in Psychology. I
received a M.A. in Psychol'!}
from Wake Forest Universe
Recently he has done gradual
studies at Memphis Stl
University.
Mr. Livesay began studyjj
music at Harris Conservatif;
of Music in Rocky Mount. Ots
studies were completed
North Carolina Wesley
where he was accompanist j
the Chapel Choir, a gnl
which traveled throughout I
eastern United States.
The people at First Chui]
are thankful that a man sucm
Mr. Livesay is able to come H
minister to them.
Sweetheart Banquet at
Faith Church
On Saturday, February
1984, at 5:30 p.m., a sweethe
banquet was held in
fellowship building at Fa!
Church, Route 2, Four Oa
This was enjoyed by 54 you
and adults. A very spe(
thanks goes to Mr. and M
Cecil Lee and Mr. and M
Gary Snead, and to all I
helped in any way.
THE FREE WILL BAPTIl
[jrogress at Faith Church
iThe Lord is really blessing
kith Church, Route 2, Four
ia,ks. A new heating and air
unditioning system has been
|i stalled in the church and paid
jr. The building for the fel-
I] wship building has been com-
jeted with kitchen cabinets,
glinting, vinyl, appliances,
nrpet, and country curtains.
I A kitchen shower was held
lew Year's Eve at the
Hlowship building for things
ueded in the kitchen. Faith
H lurch people thank everyone
:r what they have done. Most
i all they give thanks to God
U r so many blessings.
1 eekend of February 24-26
as Special
J The Weekend of February
:^-26 was a special and
•lightening time for Arapahoe
i|iurch. "Missions Emphasis
jeekend" began as an idea of
yo AFC boys, Chris and Pat,
;jid was enlarged upon by
ijhers.
|The weekend was kicked off
tjji. Friday night by the showing
if "Hudson Taylor," a movie
[ 'ippicting the life of this mis-
ijonary to China. The Saturday
/ening event brought out the
*ave as a meal was served
jaturing foods eaten in the
hilippines, Africa, Thailand,
, id Mexico. Chris and Pat had
. Jritten our missionaries re-
lesting recipes for some of the
|Shes served. Our after-dinner
j)eaker was the Rev. Wayne
.ing, former missionary to the
hilippines.
On Sunday morning the mis-
ons emphasis was carried in-
> the worship service through
jnging and by a message by
ie Rev. Harold Jones, director
1* | Free Will Baptist Foreign
tissions. They were happy Mr.
f t>nes and his family were with
I |em all weekend. The van der
t las family conducted the Sun-
* ay evening service using their
tlents of singing, teaching,
jid preaching. It was a sen-
jmental time as everyone
icalled the four years the van
der Plas family have been with
them. After the evening service
the Woman's Auxiliary spon-
sored a reception to show their
love and support for this
wonderful family.
During the entire weekend
displays were on view of ar-
tifacts from Africa, Mexico,
and the Philippines. The effects
from this weekend will bless
Arapahoe Church for a long
time.
Gospel Sing at Verona Church
On Saturday night, March 31,
a gospel sing will be held at
Verona Church, 7 miles south of
Jacksonville on Highway 17.
The sing will feature the
"Ranger's Quartet" of Dunn.
The time of the services is 7 : 30
p.m. The pastor, the Rev. Boyd
Shook, and the congregation in-
vite everyone to share in this
service.
Invitation to Open House
The Winterville Free Will
Baptist Church will have Open
House on Sunday, March 25,
from 2-5 in the afternoon. The
church is located on the corner
of Glendale Avenue and East
Cooper Street in Winterville.
Everyone is invited to come.
Northeast Church to Host a
Missions Conference
The members of Northeast
Church, Mount Olive, would
like to announce that on April
3-5, at 7:30 each evening they
will host a Missions Con-
ference.
Guest speakers will be the
Rev. David Charles Hansley
from the Eastern Conference
Home Missions on Tuesday
evening; Jeffrey D'Jernes, a
Wycliff Bible translator, who
has just spent three years in
New Guinea on Wednesday
evening; and the Rev. Harold
Jones, head of Foreign Mis-
sions on Thursday evening.
Films or slides will be
presented at each meeting.
Everyone is invited to attend
these services.
Central Conference
Women to Meet
The Central Conference
Woman's Auxiliary will meet
March 24, 1984, at Ormondsville
Free Will Baptist Church,
located eight miles west of
Ayden, just off Highway 903 at
Ormondsville.
The theme for the Convention
will be "Lest We Forget" with
Scripture taken from
Deuteronomy 4:9— "Only take
heed to thyself and keep thy
soul diligently, lest thou forget
the things which thine eyes
have seen, and lest they depart
from thy heart all the days of
thy life."
The program is as follows:
Morning Session
9 : 30— Registration
10:00— Hymn, "Count Your Blessings"
—Devotion, Mrs. Lorraine Russell
—Welcome, Mrs. Louise May
—Response, Mrs. Warren Moye
10:15— Greetings, President
— Recogition Time
— Business Period
10:30— Missions Report, Mrs. Wallie
Hargrove
—Roll Call of Auxiliaries
(Missions money and Talents for
Cragmont)
—Chorus Time, Miss Leah McGlo-
hon
10:50— Children's Home, Mrs. Judy
Moore
—Retirement Homes
— Love Offering
—Free Will Baptist Press
—Hymn, "Trust and Obey"
11:20— Special Music, Host Church
— Introduction of Speaker, Mrs.
Alice Barrow
11:30— Morning Speaker, Mrs. Lizzie
Dawson
12:00— Benediction
—Lunch
Afternoon Session
1:15— Chorus Time, Miss Leah McGlo-
hon
—Prayer
—Youth, Mrs. Joan Little
Mrs. Mitzi Hobgood
—Study Course, Mrs. Debbie Lan-
caster
—Cragmont
— Mount Olive College, Mrs.
Happy Taylor
—Anna Phillips Loan Fund, Mrs.
Cleo Hinson
2:00— Life Membership Award, Mrs.
Lou McLawhorn
—Business Period
—Reflections, Mrs. Carolyn Mayo
2:30— Hymn, "Revive Us Again"
—Adjournment
(Continued on Page 17)
' HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
7
Foreign Missions
TELETHON 5UN0AY
MARCH 25
MHEYWORlO christian
V WHO WERE YOU CALLING?!
I Just called in m
SPECIAL GIFT FOR FOREIGN.
AAtSSiONS. TOOAY I 5
TELETHON SUNDAY.
EVERYONE ! EVERY CHuKh
AND INOlVlOlMl WORIO
MISSIONS OEPEN03 ON Uj
TO SEND MISSIONARIES LIKE THE VAN DEpN
Pi AS TO THE Philippines ANO other country.
TO SuPPoPT MISSIONARIES ON THE FlFLD, SoPPORT
Pa stops, Bible schools, £ipivientarys<-hoois.
PROVIDE FOCO, CLOTHiAiG^EPiC (A/6, wCUS, jRff/GATlON
SY5TFM3.8VY 0I5LE5 ANO TRACTS. 1 COULO 00 OKI
AND on, Sot you c^ai see how FaR Reaching
THE WORK JS.
TO HftP 0THFR5 15
ONE OF THf 30YS ANO 6LES5IAIC
OF 3EINC A CHRISTIAN.
*s):
/X WANT TO US E YOUR
/ PHOME 50 I CAW «
'IjBMY SPEC1M G-lFL,
WMILE WE WAIT, LFT'S
3oiN TOGETHER IA» pi?4YEP
TOO AY IS OUR OAY OF
PRAYER FoR WuRLO Missions
TELETHON 5UM0AY
MARCH 25
CALL IN YOUR SPECIAL!
OFFERING BETWEEN
I SO - 5:30
0IALC<H<07%-1<,63
8
THE FREE WILL BAPTTS
NEW CREATURE IN CHRIST
Meet Mr. Ariston Pilapil. He is a new creature in Christ, BECAUSE YOU SUP-
-ORT WORLD MISSIONS.
Mr. Pilapil was born July 3, 1923, in the province of Leyte in the
3hilippines. At the age of four his father died leaving his mother the
•esponsibility of raising him and his two brothers and one sister,
tfter graduating from high school in 1952, he served two years as a
patrolman in Alicico, Zamboaga del Sur.
In 1960, Mr. Pilapil transferred to TayTay, Palawan. There he
served as secretary of Barangay Pancol for four years. Then he
served as Pancol's Barangay Captain for ten years. Now at the age
If sixty and still single, Mr. Pilapil replies, "Most of my life has
oeen spent farming and fishing. ' '
A letter and an application arrived at Palawan Bible Institute
In May of 1983 from Mr. Pilapil asking if he could study Bible here.
)n the back of the application he wrote, "On my part being aged, I
leed to be educated with regards to God's Law as a preparation for
Werlasting life." He arrived in June and began his studies with the
jther students. On July 15, Mr. Ariston Pilapil repented of his sins,
isked Jesus into his heart and became a new creature in Christ.
Brother Pilapil works hard at his studies, and continues to
jrow in Christ. One of his great desires is to impart knowledge of
jTesus to his brothers and sisters while he is alive.
We believe and are convinced that the world can be won to
Christ one (Jose) at the time. Will you be a part of the greatest
vork on the face of the earth, WORLD MISSIONS?
Fred Baker
Philippines
GIVE MORE IN '84
Telethon Theme: World Missions and You.
WORLD MISSIONS AND
THE INDIVIDUAL
You are ultimately the
strength of the local church and
world missions. You are like
one link in a chain; the whole
chain is dependent on you.
7 want to share a few words
on this subject from my heart.
World missions is a personal
Ithing. The task is not just for
others. It is mine. It is yours. I
can see the millions of lost,
lonely, helpless souls from all
nations, and my heart breaks,
but my determination never
falters. It is my responsibility
to make Christ known to them,
and until Christ calls me home I
must dedicate my life to this
most urgent and important
task. Nothing else must ever so
claim my attention that I lose
sight of God's redemptive plan
for all mankind.
My prayer for each of you as
you read this is that God will
grant you the light to see your
part in world missions, the
strength to act, the joy to serve,
and the desire to see the task
completed.
Lord! help us to see our im-
portance in the chain of world
missions.
TELETHON SUNDAY
IS MARCH 25.
CALL AND REPORT
YOUR MISSIONS OFFERING
BETWEEN 1:30 and 5:30 P.M.
PHONE (919) 746-4963
ATTENTION
NC WOMAN'S AUXILIARIES
The 1984 session of the North
Carolina Woman's Auxiliary
Convention will convene on
Thursday, May 10, in College
Hall at Mount Olive College,
Mount Olive, North Carolina.
Each auxiliary should repre-
sent with one delegate for each
25 members or fraction thereof,
plus a registration fee of $10.
Many auxiliaries mail their
registration fee in advance.
This is a good thing to do, as it
saves the delegate the trouble
of handling the money. Also, in
the event something happens at
the last minute to prohibit your
representing in person, your
auxiliary is registered as hav-
ing represented.
EVIPORTANT: Please mail
your fee before April 25, if
possible, so that I will be able to
get the list prepared and
delivered to the convention
registration committee for use
on the morning of May 10. If
you cannot possibly attend,
please mail your fee anyway,
as the convention needs your
support. Mail your fee to the
following address: Mrs. Ray-
mond T. Sasser, State
Treasurer, 517 Westover
Avenue, Wilson, North Carolina
27893.
Mrs. Raymond T. Sasser
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
9
Children's Home
A WATERED-DOWN MINISTRY"
"A WATERED-DOWN MINISTRY"
Absolutely Not! Just a little wet! Our ministry with the
children is a "complete" ministry. By complete, we mean that we
make deliberate efforts to provide experiences for our kids that are
"life-preparing." This includes experience in our Work Reward
Program. Each child is given the opportunity to select work that is
compatible with his/her abilities. When a decision is made as to the
nature of the work, the children are asked to sign a work contract in
agreement with the stipulations of the job. This involves an
understanding of the number of hours to be worked each week, the
pay scale, and the kind of performance necessary for the job to be
maintained.
Children like Ronnie, in the photograph above, aggressively
seek out work so that they may earn spending money and add to
their personal savings accounts. We believe that children need the
experience of "earning" some of the things they want and personal-
ly enjoy. Total dependence upon our institution throughout life is
not part of our philosophy of child care. If we don't teach our kids
about the "reality of life," the realities of life will one day destroy
our kids !
DUKE ENDOWMENT
AWARDS $8,000 TO
FWB CHDLDREN'S HOME
The Duke Endowment has
awarded a grant of $8,000 to the
Free Will Baptist Children's
Home to help fund a new
Preparation for Independence
program.
According to Children's
Home Director Bobby R. Tay-
lor, the grant "will be used
to help youngsters in the 15-21
age group as they prepare to
leave the Children's Home and
move out into the world. We've
targeted a group of young peo-
ple who have shown maturity
and good self -discipline, and we
want to give them more respon-
sibilities and freedom over
time.
"They'll live in a different
cottage, be responsible for dai-
ly routine, for following up on
their vocational skills and, in
general, behaving like respon-
sible adults."
The new program will in-
volve the re-opening of one cot-
tage on campus and the
employment of additional staff.
Ashley H. Gale Jr., director
of the Endowment's Hospital
and Child Care Divisions, noted
that "the transition from youth
to adulthood is difficult for
everyone. The move from a
protected environment to in-
dependent living is especially
crucial for these youngsters.
We think the special Prepara-
tion for Independence might
make a big difference in this
transition, but we also think &
will take several years befor^j
there are any conclusive
results. As funds are availably
the Endowment hopes to pre
vide further assistance in thi
worthwhile effort."
Since 1925, the Duke En
dowment has awarded ovej
$460,000 to the Free Will Baptiss
Children's Home for operating
costs and special programs.
The Endowment, establishe<
by James B. Duke in 1924
assists nonprofit hospitals an<
child care institutions in Nortli
and South Carolina; ruraj
United Methodist churches an<
retired ministers in Nortl
Carolina; and four educationa
institutions: Duke, Furmai
and Johnson C. Smith Univer
sities, and Davidson College.
One of the nation's larges
private foundations, the 198!
market value of the Endow
ment's assets was approx
imately $498 million. Since 1924;
trustees have awarded grants
totaling over $644 million to th(
beneficiaries selected b;,1
James B. Duke. Grants madf
during 1983 totaled $36.}
million.
CAMPBELL SOUP AND
U-HAUL COMPANIES
MAKE DONATIONS
Campbell Soup Company o
Maxton, North Carolina
donated 405 cases of soup to th<
Home. This soup will be used t<
(Continued on Page 17)
10
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1
Hi i THE
CHRISTIAN NURTURER
by Bass Mitchell
f art IV : Resources for Leaders
s ; in Christian Education
3' 'len, Mavis and Max Caldwell, Com-
f pilers. Helping Teachers Teach.
L Nashville: Convention Press, 1976.
lazier, Kenneth D., Building An Ef-
f fective Church School. Valley Forge :
Judson Press, 1976.
3 Growing Church School. Valley
1 Forge: Judson Press, 1978.
I jlly, Iris. New Life for Your Sunday
School. New York: The Seabury
,i Press, 1979.
uckert, Mary. Help! I Run a Sunday
School. Philadelphia : The Westminis-
i' I ter Press, 1971.
Idge, Findley. Helping the Teacher.
ir Nashville: Broadman Press, 1959.
. legal, Bob. Sunday School Director's
■Handbook. Nashville: Convention
1 I Press, 1979.
■ loodykoontz, Harry and Betty. Train-
ing to Teach: A Basic Course in
i Christian Education. Philadelphia:
The Westminister Press, 1961.
riggs, Donald. Teaching Teachers to
' Teach. Nashville: Abingdon Press.
I ohnson, Douglas. The Care and Feed-
r, | inflr of Volunteers. Nashville: Abing-
, j don Press, 1978, 5th printing in 1981.
, ones, Idris. The Superintendent Plans
His Work. Valley Forge : Judson
Press, 1951, 14th printing in 1981.
I iynn, Robert and Elliott Wright. The
Big Little School: 200 Years of the
1 ;i Sunday School. Nashville: Abingdon
! Press, 1971 and 1980.
filler, Randolph Crump. Education for
Christian Living. Englewood Cliffs,
New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, 1956.
)lson, Richard. The Pastor's Role in
Educational Ministry. Philadephia:
Fortress Press, 1974.
3owers, Bruce, Editor. Christian Edu-
i cation Handbook. Nashville: Broad-
man Press, 1981.
^usbuldt, Richard. Basic Teacher
Skills. Valley Forge: Judson Press,
' 1981.
smart, James. The Teaching Ministry
of the Church. Philadephia: The
I Westminister Press, 1954.
taylor, Marvin, Editor. Religious Edu-
cation: A Comprehensive Survey.
Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1960.
An Introduction to Christian Education.
Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1966.
Vieth, Paul. The Church School. Phila-
delphia: Christian Education Press,
i 1957.
Some of these works are out
of print. However, your local
(public library may have some
of them or could get them for
'you through their loan system.
Moye Library on the campus of
(Continued on Page 12)
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
I Mount Olive College
THE CLARENCE F. BO WEN SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT
An endowment in memory of the late Rev. Clarence F. Bowen
has been established at Mount Olive College by the Board of
Foreign Missions of the North Carolina State Convention of
Original Free Will Baptists.
Mr. Bowen, a well-known and beloved Free Will Baptist
minister, died January 22, 1984, at the age of 72. He served for more
than twenty years on the Board of Foreign Missions and at the time
of his death was an honorary life member. Income from the Bowen
Endowment will be used to provide scholarships for students
preparing for missionary service.
The Rev. Harold Jones, director-treasurer of the Board of
Foreign Missions, announced a $1,000 contribution to the Endow-
ment at the World Missions Rally held at Mount Olive College,
March 9. He stated that the Endowment was open to receive addi-
tional gifts from individual friends of Mr. Bowen, churches and
church organizations. Gifts for this purpose should be sent to Mount
Olive College, Mount Olive, North Carolina 28365, and designated
"Bowen Endowment Fund."
A native of Person County, Mr. Bowen was ordained by the
North Carolina Western Conference of Original Free Will Baptists
in 1937. He earned an Associate in Arts degree from Campbell
University and a Bachelor's degree from Wake Forest University.
At both institutions Mr. Bowen served as student body president
and distinguished himself in both scholarship and leadership. His
Masters degree was earned at George Peabody College, Nashville,
Tennessee, while he was on the faculty of Free Will Baptist Bible
College.
His pastorates included Spring Hill, Pleasant Plain, Selma,
Kenly, Stoney Creek and First Church in Wilson in the Western
Conference ; Corinth Church in the Albemarle Conference ; Rose of
Sharon and Pleasant Hill Churches in the Central Conference ; and
Shady Grove Church in the Cape Fear Conference, all in North
Carolina. In Tennessee he served East Nashville and Horton
Heights Churches in Nashville. In recognition of his outstanding
pastoral services, Mr. Bowen was chosen "Minister of the Year" in
1973 by the North Carolina State Ministerial Association.
(Turn the Page)
11
Mr. Bowen's services to Free Will Baptists were many and
varied and included President of the North Carolina State Conven-
tion; Moderator of the Western Conference and Chairman of the
Board of Ordination; Secretary-Treasurer of the First Western
Union Meeting; Field Secretary of Free Will Baptist Leagues in
North Carolina; Moderator of the Cape Fear Conference; member
of the Chaplain's Commission of the North Carolina State Conven-
tion, writer of The Advanced Quarterly, The Young Adults'
Quarterly, and numerous other publications of the Free Will Bap-
tist Press, Ayden, North Carolina.
Services outside of North Carolina included promotional direc-
tor of the National League Board, Secretary of the National
Association of Free Will Baptists, and President of the Tennessee
State Convention.
Mr. Bowen and his wife, Rose G. Bowen, co-authored many
publications for the Woman's Auxiliary work.
In addition to his wife, who resides in Ayden, Mr. Bowen is sur-
vived by one son, C. F. "Jeff" Bowen Jr., of Greensboro.
FORTY MORE SEATS CONTRIBUTED TO COLLEGE HALL
During the week of March 6-12, forty seats were contributed to
College Hall: thirty-six chairs and four bleacher seats.
The total number of chairs contributed to date is 891 toward a
goal of 800. The number of bleacher seats given or pledged now
totals 311% toward a goal of 1,200, leaving a balance of 888%.
The cost of sponsoring a bleacher is $100. The bleacher seats in
College Hall are the first of their kind to be installed in the
southeastern section of the United States. They are contoured for
body comfort and will include a back.
All donors to College Hall will be recognized with appropriate
plaques or charts in the lobby ; in addition, the bleacher seats will
feature a nameplate which will include the name of the donor and
the person(s) honored or memorialized.
By using both chairs and bleachers, the main floor of College
Hall will seat 2,000 people for conventions. We hope to have all seats
sponsored in time for recognition at the State Convention in
September.
Summary of Bleacher Seats Through March 12
Contributed
Goal or Pledged
Bleachers ($100 each) 1,200 311%
Chairs: March 6-12
Donors
Mr. and Airs. E. C. Averette Jr., Winterville
Mr. and Mrs. Burney L. Tucker, Winterville
In Memory of Leroy Bibbs
By Toni and Ellis Banks, Winterville
In Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Lyman Grubbs
By Toni and Ellis Banks, Winterville
In Memory of Henry T. Pope Sr.
By Mrs. Zelma Pope, Kenly
Saint Mary's Grove Church, Benson
In Honor of Debra M. Sasser
By Mr. W. Gray Sasser, Selma
In Honor of W. Gray Sasser
By Debra M. Sasser, Selma
In Memory of Inez Edwards
By Nursery Class of Saint Mary's Church, Kenly
In Memory of Nancy Craft Barfield and Eli Craft
By Hattie Summerlin, Kenly
First Church of Williamston, Williamston
(Continued on Page 17)
Number
of Chairs
1
1
1
1
1
5
1
1
1
1
4
Balance
Needed
888%
Amount
$ 50
50
50
50
50
250
50
50
50
50
200
FORUM TO BE HELD
AT COLLEGE AUDITORIUM
"The Death Penalty," a o5
hour forum, will be held at ,
a.m., March 29, in Collei!
Auditorium.
The increasing number of e:
ecutions nationwide has agai
called attention to the questio
of capital punishment. The r€
cent case of James Hutchiij
has focused interest on th
issue in North Carolina. It is !
controversial issue that cal
forth definite and highl
charged opinions. The form
will be held to foster health
public debate on the questior
Admission is free and open t|
the public.
Arguing for the principle c
capital punishment will b
Donald Jacobs, District A1
torney, Eighth Judicia
District. Dr. Calvin Mercer
professor of Religion at Moun
Olive College, will present th
case against the death penalty
Each presenter will have twerr
ty minutes. A question an<
answer period will follow. Kei
Dilda, Mount Olive College Pro
fessor of Social Sciences
will moderate the forum.
NOTICE
An ordination service fo
Frank Thigpen will be held oi
Sunday, March 25, at 3:30 p.m.
at Saratoga Church. The ReV
J. C. Yates is pastor. Everyont
is welcome to attend.
Central Conference Ordaining Councj
CHRISTIAN NURTURER
(Continued from Page 11)
Mount Olive College may have
some of these books. If not, thej
could assist you in getting somt
of these books or perhaps pur
chase them for the librarj
there. Our bookstores carry
some of these books or coulc
order them for you. If the booh
you want is out of print, yoii
might find it at Stevens
Bookstore in Wake Forest, at
245 East Roosevelt Street,
phone 919-556-3830. Another
possibility would be to have the
church purchase them.
12
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1
OPEN LETTER
To: All Churches of the Eastern Conference
From : Core Creek Free Will Baptist Church
Cove City, North Carolina
Subject: Challenge Gift for Camp Vandemere's Faith Fund
Building Debt Retirement Drive
As most of you know the Camp Vandemere Board of Directors last year
created the "Camp Vandemere Faith Fund." It appointed a Board of Trustees
and began a Faith Fund drive to retire the mortgage debt on the camp by the an-
nual meeting of the Eastern Conference this coming October.
The Board of Directors felt so strongly about the need for the debt retirement
that they began the Faith Fund drive with their personal pledges of over $11,000.
To date over $25,000 has been received in donations and pledges.
Core Creek Free Will Baptist Church also believes in the need to retire this
debt quickly, and in its quarterly business meeting held on Saturday night,
February 4, 1984, it voted to make an immediate "Special Donation" of $1,000 to
the Camp Vandemere Faith Fund drive.
Core Creek hereby challenges, and urges its sister churches in the Eastern
Conference to make a similar special donation to the camp to pay off the mort-
gage quickly so that our continuing regular support for the camp may be used en-
tirely to support the camping ministry and not to pay interest charges.
Don't delay— consider this challenge and opportunity at your very next
business meeting. If the debt is paid off this year we will be able to save almost
$100,000 in interest charges over the life of the loan.
Yours in Christ,
Core Creek Free Will Baptist Church
Philip H. Wood, Pastor
P.S. We invite all churches and members in our denomination to participate
in this worthy cause, prayerfully, and also financially if you can.
CAMP VANDEMERE • FAITH FUND
To support its commitment to Christian recreation I (we) will give:
A one time donation of $_
Please make checks payable to A monthly donation of $
Camp Vandemere Faith Fund Per month for twelve (12) months.
DONOR.
ADDRESS HOME PHONE_
CITY STATE ZIP,
Business (Firm & Address)
Free Will Baptist Church Conference.
Signature
— GIFTS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE AS ALLOWED BY LAW—
Send donations to: Camp Vandemere Faith Fund, Wachovia Bank & Trust Company, Marie Whitford, Box 406,
Vanceboro, NC 28586.
'THE FREE WILL BAPTIST 13
Family Devotions
SUNDAY,
MARCH
25
Scripture Reading— Judges 8, 9
A CHRIST THAT SHINES IN DARKNESS
A father took his son into an art shop to buy a
picture of Christ for him. The boy was shown dif-
ferent pictures of Christ but he didn't like any of
them. "No, Daddy, these are not what I want."
The father, thinking that his son didn't want a
picture of Christ after all, asked, "What kind of a
picture of Christ do you want?" Promptly the
boy replied, "I want a Christ who shines in
darkness ! ' ' The boy had seen a luminous picture
of Christ which shone in the darkness.
We greatly need Christ to shine in the night
of sorrow, suffering, testing and temptation.
Only He can illumine life's dark pathway.
As we follow Him, our way grows increasing-
ly bright: "But the path of the just is as the shin-
ing light, that shineth more and more unto the
perfect day" (Proverbs 4:18).
MONDAY,
MARCH
26
Scripture Reading— Judges 10, 11
NO SHADOWS PERMANENT
Dr. Jowett, the noted preacher, once saw a
total eclipse of the sun while he was traveling
through a foreign mission field. The superstition-
ridden natives thought that a great monster was
swallowing up the sun, so they beat their drums
and cried out in fear. When the eclipse was over,
and the sun was shining again, Dr. Jowett went
home and wrote his famous sermon, "No
Shadows Permanent." In it he pointed out that
while the love of God seems sometimes to be in a
state of eclipse, there is a law of the spirit by
which the bright hopes of the gospel always
return. There are no permanent shadows. Even
the temporary shadows are behind us, if we face
the light and walk towards it.
Give me a Bible and a candle and shut me up
in a dungeon, and I will tell you what the world is
doing.
TUESDAY,
MARCH
27
Scripture Reading — Judges 12-14
A LIGHTED CANDLE INSIDE
While preaching in Soul's Harbor, Colum-
bus, Ohio, I noticed a nurse under deep convic-
tion of sin. She sat night after night, the picture
of dejection and distress. One night she yielde
herself to Christ. The burden of sin fell from h*
heart. She became radiant. On the way hoitf
that night, she stopped at a store to do somj
shopping. A clerk who had known her for somi
time said, "Why, you look as if someone had jus
lighted a candle inside you!" "That's right,
said the converted nurse. "What I mean," sail
the clerk, "is that you look as if you had jus
fallen in love!" "I have!" exclaimed the nurst
"I have fallen in love with the One who loved m
when I didn't love Him— Jesus!"
Have you found the heavenly light?
Pass it on!
Souls are groping in the night,
Daylight gone!
Lift your lighted lamp on high,
Be a star in someone's sky,
He might live who else would die,
Pass it on!
WEDNESDAY,
MARCH
28
Scripture Reading— Judges 15-17
THEY SEE NOT
A businessman, 45 years of age, was drivin;
along a Canadian highway. The sun was shinui;
brightly. He saw what appeared to be drops q
rain begin to fall on the upper part of his wind
shield. Within seconds, all became dark! Quickl;
he turned his car to the side of the road. Blind
ness settled permanently upon him !
His experience was not unusual. Yearly, ii
Canada and the United States, some 30,000 pec
pie, 92 percent of them adults, go blind.
Only God knows how many go blind tj
spiritual and eternal things. They have physica
eyesight, "but they see not." "The god of thi
world," said Paul, "hath blinded the minds o
them which believe not, lest the light of th
glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image 6
God, should shine unto them" (2 Corinthian
4:4).
What a privilege is ours, who have seeing
eyes, to help the unseeing ones to see the "high
of the world, " the Lord Jesus!
THURSDAY,
MARCH
29
Scripture Reading— Judges 18, 19
LAMPS
I met a stranger in the night
Whose lamp had ceased to shine.
14
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
I paused and let him light
His lamp from mine.
A tempest sprang up later on
And shook the world about.
And when the wind was gone,
My lamp was out.
But back to me the stranger came-
His lamp was glowing fine !
He held the precious flame,
And lighted mine !
I'd rather light a candle than curse the
arkness.
FRIDAY, on
HARCH
cripture Reading- Judges 20, 21
MAKING HOLES IN THE DARKNESS
One evening at dusk, Robert Louis Stevenson
tood as a boy at the window of his home and
patched the darkness envelop the city.
I Robert," his nurse said to him, "come and sit
lown. You can't see anything out there."
But young Stevenson insisted, "I can see
iomething wonderful. There is a man coming up
he street making holes in the darkness." It was
he lamplighter.
In the truest sense, Jesus Christ is the Divine
lamplighter. He came into the world to make
holes in the darkness of sin, ignorance, and
kespair. "I am the Light of the world," He said.
He that followeth me shall not walk
farkness, but shall have the light of life.
m
SATURDAY,
MARCH
31
jlcripture Reading— Ruth 1-4
THEIR MINDS WERE BLINDED!
Years ago, young mules were lowered into
toal mines. There they remained until old age
gendered them useless for further service. When
;hey were brought up into God's sunlight, it was
detected that they were totally blind. They had
;ieen in darkness so long that they had gone
olind.
Men may stay away from Jesus so long, go-
ing headstrong in the ways of sin and darkness,
!;hat they ultimately forfeit the possibility to
oecome spiritually enlightened. Paul said, "But
If our gospel be hid, it is hid to them which
relieve not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of
phrist . . . should shine unto them" (2 Corin-
thians 4:3, 4). There is a point at which the light
bn the road to Hell goes out!
Jesus said, "Ye are the light of the world. "
Lights are made for dark places. Shine for Jesus
wherever you may be.
Portions selected from Knight's Treasury of Illustra-
tions, Walter B. Knight.
STATE SUNDAY SCHOOL
CONVENTION
Saturday, March 31
College Hall
Mount Olive College
Mount Olive, NC
Registration— 9 a.m.
■HHHHHHMII Home Missions
PROGRAM FOR EVANGELISM AND
MISSION CONFERENCE
A program for evangelism and mission
conference will be held at Beulaville
Church, Beulaville, North Carolina, March
26-30, 1984, beginning at 7:30 each evening.
The scheduled program is as follows :
Monday: Home Missions Workshop,
Charles W. Crisp, director of Home Mis-
sions; Evangelism Sermon, the Rev. Ray
Wells, pastor, Marsh Swamp Church,
Chairman, Home Missions Board
Tuesday: Visitation Workshop, the
Rev. Dean Kennedy, pastor, Haymount
Church, longtime associate Home Mis-
sions; Evangelism Sermon, the Rev. W. S.
Burns, Home Missions pastor, Eastwood
Mission
Wednesday: Sunday School Growth
Workshop, the Rev. Charles Crisp, Home
Missions director; Evangelism Sermon, the
Rev. Frank R. Harrison, chaplain and in-
structor at Mount Olive College
Thursday : Film : ' ' Planned Parenthood
for Churches" presenting the needs of
planting new churches; Evangelism Ser-
mon: the Rev. James Sowers, Home Mis-
sions pastor, Grifton Mission
Friday: Workshop, the Rev. Walter Sut-
ton, Eastern Conference Home Missions;
Evangelism Sermon, the Rev. Charles
Crisp, Home Missions director
The host church will provide the music.
IrHE FREE WILL BAPTIST
15
Sunday School Lesson"
For March 25
JESUS CALLS ON
US TO MINISTER
Lesson Text: Mark 8:27-38
Memory Verse : Mark 8 : 34
"Cancel all appointments!
This is a matter of life and
death! "
So the "necessities" weren't
really necessary, and the top
priorities were sharply reduced
in order. In life-and-death
situations men cling to life at
all costs, hoping to postpone the
hour when death will have the
final word.
Jesus, though, reversed that
order. His mission and ministry
became a matter of death and
life. He declared values greater
than physical life, and He pur-
posefully surrendered His life
day by day in service and final-
ly in His crucifixion, in advanc-
ing those greater values, which
all added up to eternal glory
with the Father.
So death is not the final word,
life is. Death becomes the
gateway through which life is
attained. It was so with Jesus,
who emptied Himself of glory
and became obedient even to
death; whereupon God exalted
Him to immeasurable glory
(Philippians 2:5-11). It is so
with the followers of Jesus, who
share in the death of Christ
through Christian baptism, so
as to become alive to God,
walking in newness of life
(Romans 6:1-11). It continues
to be so with one who denies
himself while serving others in
the name of Christ, and so
grows in His likeness.
Through months of
preaching, teaching, and heal-
ing in Galilee, Jesus had
demonstrated His divine
nature. He had controlled wind
and waves, cast out demons,
and created food for thousands
from a few small loaves and
fish. He was the talk of the
towns.
Not all of the talk was
favorable. That of the
discredited Pharisees was bit-
terly hostile. That of the na-
tionalistic zealots was tinged
with disappointment. Looking
for a Messiah to reinstate the
military and political kingdom
of David, they had been excited
by the demonstrations of Jesus'
power, but disillusioned at His
teaching and the direction of
His ministry. But the common
people still heard Him gladly. It
was time for Jesus to nail down
the elements of public opinion
and to establish His disciples'
faith in relation to Him.
On the face of it, what Jesus
proposed was ridiculous. His
program for His own ministry
was unacceptable even to His
closest followers, and the
demands He made on prospec-
tive disciples seemed even
worse. Who would give serious
consideration to such outland-
ish ideas? From an ordinary
rabbi such expressions would
mean only that he was
demented. From an established
prophet they might seem mild-
ly interesting. Only from God's
Messiah would they gain
credibility, and even then with
slow reluctance.
So, before Jesus could set
forth His plan for Himself and
His followers, He must
establish some ground for ac-
ceptance. His hearers must be
firmly convinced that He was
indeed God's anointed Lord and
Saviour.
For additional ground of ac-
ceptance Jesus could point to
what He had done already.
What He proposed was not real-
ly new. It simply described the
way He had been serving. He
had never sought nor claimed
any advantage for himself. In-
stead He had always acted
from compassionate awareness
of those about Him, seeking
their good at any cost to
himself. When their leaders
scoffed that He was in league
with devils, and when they
dogged His footsteps with car|
ing criticism, He continued ,1
serve. When the thoughtieu
throngs pressed upon Him, %
He had no time nor privacy fi
rest, He kept on teachin|
feeding, healing. He was layirl
down His life, day by day ari
claim by claim, for those E
came to save.
Jesus knew God's will ar
God's approval as somethir
worth dying for. Hence He he
something worth living for. Ar
live He did! And live He doe!
His years on earth were fe\
and according to mari
measurements He was di
prived; but within thos
measurements He compresse
an abundance of living beyor
imagination. It was an abui|
dance He would share wit
whosoever will, for time ari
eternity. He is worth dying fo
and that discovery is th
gateway to life. — Standar
Lesson Commentary
16
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS
EDITORIAL
(Continued from Page 2)
know the Lord— she could see these individuals "burning
alive." Whenever she tried to get help for them from her
"Christian" friends, they were too involved with their
"games" to care.
When are we going to stop playing and get about the task
of winning souls?
I want my church to grow. And I'm doing something about
it. Are you?
NEWS AND NOTES
(Continued from Page 7)
Praise the Lord in Music
At Elm Grove Church
MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE
(Continued from Page 12)
Honor of Sunie Hansley
By Folkstone Woman's Auxiliary, Sneads Ferry
Memory of Oscar Webster
By Nellie Webster, Thomas Webster and Alice Web-
ster, Pinetown
Memory of Henry Watson
By Julius and Grace Corbett, Kenly
Memory of Victoria Watson
By Julius and Grace Corbett, Kenly
Honor of the Rev. Lester Duncan
By Free Union Church Layman's League, Spring
Hope
Memory of Rosa Proctor
By Saratoga Woman's Auxiliary, Wilson
i Honor of Mrs. Hattie Bright
By White Oak Woman's Auxiliary, Bladenboro
i Memory of Dave Fillingame
» By Mrs. Julia Fillingame, Vanceboro
k Honor of Hopewell Church College Hall Supper Club
By the Families of Hopewell Supper Club, Four Oaks
hristian Chapel Church, Pink Hill
ji Honor of Alyne Elmore
By the Alyne Elmore Circle in Lee's Chapel Church,
Dunn
dwards Chapel Church, Beaufort
dwards Chapel Ladies Auxiliary, Beaufort
/alnut Creek Church, La Grange
ti Honor of Beatrice Andrews
I By Theresa Louze, Debbie Muraglia, Missy Long,
Sandy Long, Michelle Louze, Tammy and Jay
Lyczkowski, New Bern
n Honor of Mrs. Julia Smith
By Ladies Auxiliary of Black Jack Church, Greenville
Totals
Bleachers: March 6-12
onors
ohn Patterson Furniture Co., Mount Olive
l Honor of the Rev. and Mrs. Edward C. Taylor
By Miss Leah McGlohon, Winterville
p Honor of the Rev. Don Ribeiro
By Miss Leah McGlohon, Winterville
/interville Sunday School, Winterville
a Memory of Roy and Ruie Mayo
By their Children: Dennis Mayo, Helen Harrell, Cecil
Mayo, Goldie Beach and Jack Mayo
Total
1
36*
Number of
Bleacher
Seats
1
1
%
1
1
4^
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
150
50
50
$1,800
Amount
$100
100
50
100
100
$450
Wayne Hargrove and Kenny Barnes
Wayne and Kenny will be
praising the Lord in music, at
Elm Grove Church, just south
of Ay den, Sunday, March 25,
1984, at 7:30 p.m. Everyone is
invited to come and worship
with them and let the Lord
bless their hearts as He uses
these young men in His service.
CHILDREN'S HOME
(Continued from Page 10)
help meet the nutritional needs
of the children we serve. The
donation will assist in keeping
food expenditures down, as we
continue to experience rising
food costs. We know that you
join with us in thanking the
Campbell Soup Company.
U-Haul Company of Raleigh,
North Carolina, donated the use
of a 20-foot Ford truck to go to
Maxton, North Carolina, to
transport the soup and made all
necessary arrangements
through a Wilson, North
Carolina, distributor. We are
thankful for their contribution
and assistance.
Thank you, Campbell Soup
and U-Haul for your support in
our child care ministry.
Now is a good time to renew
your subscription to The Free
Will Baptist.
fHE FREE WILL BAPTIST
17
JOIN THE CROWD-
BECOME EFFECTIVE!
You should attend the 1984 Evangelism
Conference, April 12 and 13, at
Marsh Swamp Church, Sims,
North
Carolina.
rep
* •
\ Cj-— -i-i V * 1
7 ^ ik\ a/v
1
Original Free Will Baptist
Home Missions
and
Church Extension
Box 38
Ayden, NC 28513
18
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1
I
Free
materials to
participants.
at*** *'
CO
1 1
^Y\\SeeV ******
is
b0u
r^stration
\ CM'
\
\
Vacation Bible School is
many things. It is a
ministry. It is boys and
girls singing and having
fun; it is teachers telling
Bible stories and advisin
students. It begins with
churches planning and
working to get ready. Am
it is all worth it when
young people (and adulU
come to know Jesus
Christ as their Lord and
Saviour.
The theme of the 1984
materials is All Things
Through Him. Based on
the life of the Apostle
Paul, this curriculum of-
fers biblical teaching
balanced with activities
that serve to reinforce
truths taught. An added
plus this year is our mis-
sions study.
Learn more about this curriculum: attend the showing nearest you!
April 2 Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.
3 Smithfield Bible and Bookstore, Smithfield
5 Foundation Bible and Bookstore, Whiteville Mini-Mall,
Whiteville
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
20
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 38, 1984, AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA
The Free Will Baptist
Editorial
CONTENTS
Editorial. - 2
Feature 3
Weekly Features
News and Notes 4
Foreign Missions 6
Mount Olive College 8
Children's Home 9
Home Missions 10
Sunday School Lesson 11
Family Devotions 12
-s ■'
Volume 99 Number 12
March 28, 1984
Janie Jones Sowers
Editor
Edited and published forty-eight times a year by
the Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811
North Lee Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513-0158.
Second-class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina
( USPS 209-440 1 .
All materials to be placed in any issue must be in
the hands of the editor seven days prior to the
publication date of that issue.
The purpose of this paper is to promote the cause of
Christ among Original Free Will Baptists, and we
reserve the right to refuse any article or news that is
inconsistent with our purpose, programs, or policies,
and that does not reflect a spirit of harmony and
cooperation with the Free Will Baptist Press Foun-
dation and the North Carolina State Convention of
Original Free Will Baptists.
The contents herein do not necessarily reflect the
beliefs or policies of the editor or of The Free Will
Baptist. The responsibility for each article is given
the person whose name appears under the title or to
the person submitting said article.
Items for publication should be addressed to the
Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box 158, Ayden,
North Carolina 28513-0158.
All subscriptions are payable in advance: one
year, $8.84; two years, $16.12; four years, $31.20 (in-
cluding sales tax for North Carolina residents ) ;
residents of other states, $8.50, $15.50 and $30 respec-
tively (plus sales tax where it applies).
Every-Family Plan: A 25 percent discount given
when local churches send the "Baptist" to the home
of every member; names and addresses to be pro-
vided by churches. Churches are billed quarterly.
Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists" are
sent to one individual who in turn distributes these. A
50 percent discount is offered under this plan.
Bookstore Hours: Ayden, Smithfield, and
Whiteville, 9 a.m.— 5 p.m., Monday— Saturday.
New Bern, Wilson, and Kins ton, 9:30 a.m.— 5 p.m..
Monday — Saturday.
Board of Directors
Dewey Boling, President; C. Felton Godwin, Vice
President; Ruth Taylor, Secretary; Adrian Grubbs,
Assistant Secretary; Robert May; Eddie Edwards,
Marice DeBruhl; James Billy Hardee; De Wayne
Eakes; David W. Hansley, Chairman Emeritus.
Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.: Cliff
Gray, Executive Director; Bobby Pennington,
Financial Director; Janie Jones Sowers, Editor of
Literature.
Self- Examination
Much has been said and written recently in relation tc
missions. That's all well and good— but let's get down to the
heart of the matter. Just how mission-minded is your family?
Let's see . . .
Take a few minutes and answer the following questions
(truthfully, of course!). Afterwards, figure your score. A
careful and prayerful review of this may explain part of our
problem.
1. Our family has personal friends who are missionaries.
Yes No
2. Our family prays for one or more missionary families regularly.
Yes No
3. Our family has missionaries stay in our home at least once a year.
Yes No
4. Our family discusses world development with reference to missions.
Yes No
5. Our family participates in our church's missionary conferences.
Yes No
6. Our family gets at least one missionary publication a month.
Yes No
7. Our family uses missionary prayer cards from time to time in some way
in the family.
Yes No
8. Our family makes a sacrificial gift at least once a year for a missionary
cause.
Yes No
9. Our family discusses Bible passages with mission implications from time
to time.
Yes No
10. Our children could express the idea that the mission of the missionary is
the same as the milkman, business executive or school teacher.
Yes No
11. As parents we discuss missions with each other.
Yes ___ No
12. Our family talks about and accepts missionaries as real people.
Yes No
13. We read and encourage our children to read at least one missionary
biography a year.
Yes No
14. We have spent a family vacation assisting missionaries in another culture.
Yes _____ No
15. We have nationals of other cultures (Christian and/or non-Christian) in
our home from time to time.
Yes No
To score— point values for each "yes" answer are indicated below. For
each "yes" you have checked, add up the corresponding points. Question
numbers are followed by point values: 1—10; 2—9; 3—12; 4—8; 5—5; 6—5;
7_7; 8-7; 9-8; 10-6; il— 11; 12-5; 13-7; 14-7; 15-9.
A score of 70 or more means mission-minded children are coming along.
A score of 50-70 means above average family involvement in missions.
A score 40-50 is average (but average does not mean good! ).
A score of 40 means definite improvement is needed to produce a mission-
minded generation!
(Examination adapted from Berean Mission exam.)
2
THE FREE WILL BAPTK
"Stretched to Serve"
(The Ministry
of the Sunday School)
by Marvin R. Waters, Pastor
St. Mary's Free Will Baptist Church
] Saturday, March 31, the State Sunday
[hool Convention will be sponsoring
brkshops for Sunday school teachers and of-
fers. This year the workshops will be held at
Ollege Hall on the campus of Mount Olive Col-
lie. The Convention's workshops will begin at
l3..m. As a pastor I can only encourage the
jachers in our church's Sunday school to at-
Ind. In the end it will be a matter of personal
i sponsibility on the part of our teachers. I am
i re there will be those who will excuse
lemselves from attending by such reasons as,
■ went one year to the workshops and they did
;>t help me a bit." To that I can only respond
1at the accomplished musician never learned
Is instrument in one easy lesson. It took time.
£ took hours of effort. It took from his or her
ne for other things. A lady watching a noted
i-tist draw perfect freehand circles asked him
f:)w she could learn to do it. He replied, "You
ust practice eight hours a day for forty years
id then it is just as easy as this." He then
w a circle as perfect as though made with a
>mpass. One bad workshop attended does not
ee me from my obligation to learn to be a
\ jtter teacher. Even a teacher with years of
cperience can learn how to become a better
sacher.
It has been my privilege to pastor in
lurch situations that have what I have
erceived to be tremendous teaching
linistries. In each of the two full-time
< astorates I have served, I have felt satisfied
lat we had among the best in terms of the
uality of teaching. But as I look closely at the
latter of teaching I realize that the fundamen-
, il factor in teaching is the teacher as a per-
pn. C. B. Eavey has said that "teaching is far
lore than giving instruction or causing
; nother to know. Teaching is the communica-
ji on of life. The teacher teaches what he/she
h." I find that the best teachers in the Sunday
chool program are those who are well-rounded
i\ character, in body, in mind, and are striving
a grow spiritually. The most single purpose for
saching a Sunday school class should be to of-
■ sr the pupils in that class a living Christ,
teyond that there is the purpose of building
tiem up in faith, and bringing them to a
ealization that they are responsible beings.
Tiese pupils that we teach are responsible to
jthers as well as to God. Being a Free Will
HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
Baptist does not mean we are excused for ir-
responsibility. Sad to say, it seems that many
have been led to believe that "Free Will"
means we can do as we please. (Perhaps this is
an indictment against us for refusing to require
a good amount of educational preparation prior
to the ordination of our ministers! ) After all,
the laity of our church cannot be expected to
rise too far above the spiritual leadership of
our churches in terms of spiritual depth and
understanding. It is still true that everything
rises or falls on leadership.
The Sunday school teacher who will
prepare is needed as never before in our
churches. Training the mind is as much a
spiritual discipline as is the discipline of
prayer! To think that God is not interested in
what I feed my mind and is only concerned
with my "heart" (or emotions) is a mistake
that will yield grave consequences. Though
much is often said about the "calling" of the
minister, let us remember that ALL Christians
have a calling. And if we are to live up to God's
calling for our lives we must be willing to pay
the price in self -discipline to grow ourselves.
Sunday school teacher, the call to teach is
a call to prepare. Leaders in business are
selected from those who have equipped
themselves with thorough educational prepara-
tion. Leaders in industry are those who have
been thoroughly equipped educationally. We
seriously hamper the work of the Free Will
Baptist Church and the Kingdom of God when
we fail to secure the best educational prepara-
tion available.
The Bible is filled with examples of
preparation for effective service. Before Paul
began his great missionary ministry he spent
some years in diligent study and preparation.
When Jesus called His own disciples he often
took them away for periods of training before
commissioning them to do His work. We do not
negate the work of the Holy Spirit when we em-
phasize the importance of training the mind!
Rather, we assist the Holy Spirit as we
cooperate in the giving of our minds to His
work.
When God calls us to a task, it is foolish to
take an educational shortcut. Those who render
the best service are those who want to learn.
They want to learn new ways in which to ex-
press themselves and the God-given ideas that
they have been equipped with. I particularly
liked a statement made by Dr. Burkette Raper
in his message to the 1983 session of the State
Convention. In speaking of the difference be-
tween "indoctrination" and "Christian educa-
tion" he said:
"Indoctrination is a way of enslaving the
(Continued on Page 13)
3
News 81 Notes
FESTIVAL OF GOSPEL MUSIC
The Down East Boys
A Festival of Gospel Music will be held on Saturday, May 5,
1984, beginning at 9:30 a.m., at Eagles Nest, Mount Olive. The
theme of the festival will be "Walking and Talking With Jesus."
This event is being sponsored by the North Carolina Free Will Bap-
tist Layman's League Convention.
The program of music will include: The Down East Boys, Pot-
ter's Hill; The Watchmen, Goldsboro; The Sentinels, Durham;
Danny and the Singing Ambassadors, New Bern; New Life Singers,
Wilson; The New Creations, Mount Olive College; Quinten Mills
and Deliverance. Hollister; and The Hall Sisters, Fremont.
DANNY AND THE AMBASSADORS
TO BE AT NEW BERN STORE
Danny and the Ambassadors
Danny and the Ambassadors will be in the New Bern Bible and
Bookstore, New Bern, in celebration of the store's 14th anniversary
on April 14, 1984. They will sing and sell albums from 11 a.m. to
2 p.m.
Bibles, books, and music will be at a 10 percent discount
(hymnbooks will not be included). There will be an odds and ends
table at give-away prices. Everyone is invited to come and hear
Danny and the Ambassadors as well as shop.
4
REVIVAL TIME
April 2-6
PINEY GROVE CHURC;,
Beaufort County )
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Rev. Charles Cri;
evangelist
The Rev. Walter Pollaj
pastor
ROCK SPRINGS CHURC ,
Bailey
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Rev. Lloyd Harg,
evangelist
The Rev. Billy R. Nowe,
pastor
ST. MARY'S CHURCH, ne:
Kenly
Time: 7:30 p.m.
(Prayer room opens, 7: J
p.m.)
The Rev. Robert Ma,
evangelist
April 9-13
WINTERVILLE CHURC
Winterville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Rev. David
evangelist
The Rev. Ed Taylor, pas i
Hini
Cape Fear
Women to Meet
The Cape Fear Womai*!
Auxiliary Convention will «
held at Hopewell Church, nei
Smithfield, on April 11. T«
theme of the convention will |i
"Complete Surrender." Ti
Scripture will be taken fn:
Luke 9:23. The scheduled pj
gram is as follows :
MORNING SESSION
9 : 30— Registration
10:00— Hymn, "Glory to His Name"
—Devotion, Betty Strickland
10:20— Welcome, Louise Crumpler |
—Response, Thelma Jackson
10:25— Greetings, President, Gn.<
Barbour
—Business Session
ll:00-Hymn, "I Am Thine O Lord"
—Children's Home Report
—Foreign Missions Report
—Worship Offering
—Special Music, Host Church
—Convention Message, the R
Danny Braswell
THE FREE WILL BAPTI
I ,j —Lunch
AFTERNOON SESSION
00— Hymn, "Trust and Obey"
H , —Memorial Service, Frances
! Phillips
(1 30— Reports
—Mount Olive College
^ —Home Missions
—Free Will Baptist Press
— Cragmont
— Superannuation
—Youth Report
: 00— Business Session
«' I —Hymn, "Take My Life and Let
It Be"
—Adjournment
' —Benediction
Jbemarle Women to Meet
The Albemarle District
bman's Auxiliary Convention
•ill be held at Shiloh Church,
inetown, on Thursday, April
, 1984. The Scripture will be
. jken from Psalm 37:4, The
pheduled program is as
I jllows:
MORNING SESSION
: 45— Registration
i: 00— Hymn, "Trust and Obey"
—Devotion, Mrs. Connie Liverman
f |:15— Welcome, Mrs. Margaret W.
Sheppard
—Response, Mrs. Valerie Myers
— President's Greetings, Miss
Becky Jo Sumner
—Recognition of Ministers and
i I Visitors
—Appointment of Committees
i:30— Reading of Minutes
—Roll Call of Auxiliaries
;. j):45— Mission News, Home and
Foreign
—Offering for Missions
—Hymn, "Break Thou the Bread
of Life"
1:00— Children's Home Report
f | —Retirement Homes Report
—Offering for Children's Home
1: 20— Special Music, Host Auxiliary
1:30— Message, Mrs. Sandra Jones
2:00— Lunch
AFTERNOON SESSION
1:00— Hymn, "Have Thine Own Way
Lord"
1:05— Devotion, Mrs. Eleanor Moore
1:15— Mount Olive College News
1:30— Cragmont News
'l: 45— News from the Press
2:00— Youth Report, Mrs. Libby Tay-
lor
—Committee Reports
—Treasurer's Report
—Announcement of Next Conven-
tion
—Miscellaneous Business
—Reflections
—Benediction and Adjournment
tHE FREE WILL BAPTIST
Governor Hunt to Be at
Black Jack Church
Governor Jim Hunt will be
the guest speaker at services at
the Black Jack Church, Route
3, Greenville, on Wednesday
night, March 28, at 8 p.m.
Dedication at
Winterville Church
There will be a dedication of
the fellowship hall and Sunday
school rooms at Winterville
Church, on Sunday, April 8. The
time of the dedication will be
2:30 p.m. Everyone is invited .
Albemarle District
Youth to Meet
The Albemarle District
Youth Convention will meet
April 2, 1984, at 7:30 p.m., at
Plymouth, First Church.
Everyone is invited to attend.
ATTENTION WESTERN
DISTRICT WOMEN
Our Convention will meet on
Saturday, April 14, at Mount
Zion Church, Nash County. Let
me remind you that we will be
voting on whether to keep our
Convention meeting day on
Saturday or to return to
Wednesdays. Please be present
to cast your vote. I am looking
forward to seeing you there.
Donna Holland, President
NOTICE
The Central Conference Or-
daining Council will meet on
Monday, April 9, at 10 a.m., at
First Church, Greenville.
Anyone having business with
the council, please call the Rev.
Ray Williamson, at 758-4356.
Ray Williamson, Secretary
SEMI-ANNUAL MEETING OF THE
FREE WILL BAPTIST HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Free Will Baptist Historical Society held its semi-annual
meeting in the Moye Library at Mount Olive College in February.
The Rev. Edmundo Gonzales, president of the Society, pre-
sided over the meeting. Dr. Michael Pelt read a paper on the
history of Ayden Seminary and Eureka College, a Free Will Baptist
educational institution which was established in 1898 and closed in
1929.
The Rev. Ronnie Hobgood is vice president of the Society. He
also serves as program chairman. Gary Barefoot is secretary and
Pam Wood is treasurer of the organization. The Society will hold its
next meeting in November on the college campus.
Pictured are members of the Free Will Baptist Historical Society who attended
a meeting at Mount Olive College. Seated (left to right) Claude Moore, retired
Mount Olive College history professor; the Rev. James Evans, pastor, Memorial
Church; and Miss Leah McGlohon, librarian, East Carolina University. Standing
(left to right) Pamela R. Wood, assistant librarian, Mount Olive College; the Rev.
Ronnie Hobgood, pastor, La Grange, First Church; Frank Harrison, chaplain,
Mount Olive College; Dr. Michael Pelt, religion professor, Mount Olive College; and
the Rev. Edmundo Gonzales, pastor, Rain's Cross Roads Church.
5
Foreign Missions
BECAUSE OF YOU
Over the past three weeks, you have met only a few of those
won to Christ during 1983. They are Christians BECAUSE OF YOU,
but Jose and millions like him are still dependent on YOU to hear
the gospel. Let's make 1984 the year that we reach more with the
gospel than ever before. Our goal must always be, "Till the Whole
World Knows."
I challenge you beginn^if
TODAY to make prayer ,|
world missions a priority, cjj
is ready to do great thill
among and through our chun
Your prayers will make a d
ference.
WIN THE LOST AT ANY COST
As we look around us all the fields are white,
Ripened unto harvest and so swiftly comes the night.
Christians must get busy, there is work to do.
Here's an urgent task awaiting you.
Souls are crying, men are dying
Won't you lead them to the Cross?
Go and find them help to win them. Win the lost at any cost.
Go out and win, rescue from sin, day's almost done,
Low sinks the sun. Souls are crying, men are dying,
Win the lost at any cost.
WORLD MISSIONS
AND PRAYER
Prayer is the one way
available to all Christians to be
involved in world missions.
Through prayer we can love the
unreached people of the earth.
Prayer is available twenty-four
hours a day. We can be in-
volved in world missions
without a moment's delay. Our
lives can count right now for
world missions.
"Don't ever underestimate
the mission of prayer. Prayer is
action! " Prayer is the one mis-
sion upon which all the others
depend for fulfillment. "The
greatest impact any of us can
have on the world missionary
movement is to saturate it with
prayer and lead others to pray
with us."
Harold Lindsell in When You
Pray (Baker Book House, 1975)
confirms this view of prayer's
limitless power in missions :
Distance is no bar, space no bar-
rier, to reaching the remotest
place on earth. Nor is the power
of prayer diminished by the
distance between the person who
prays and the person prayed for.
Men and nations can and do have
their destinies. Decided by God's
praying people who, through in-
tercessory prayer, wield power
greater than the armed might of
the nations of earth (pp. 52, 53).
RALLY, A SUCCESS
The World Missions C<
ference and Rally were a gr<
blessing to everyone who pi
tended. There were 170 + wj
attended the daytime sessica
and between 700 to 800 who .
tended the Rally in Collea
Hall. Dr. William Benml
challenged us throughout fa
day to make reaching the 1(1
our primary goal.
I have heard many favorata
comments from those who ■
tended. I believe we are goia
to see much fruit from this (in-
ference in the months ahead
The van der Plas Family ws
commissioned for service to ta
Philippines during the Ral .
It's exciting to see God cJ
forth servants to go share Fs
message around the wori
They left for the Philippines p
March 16 and arrived on Mai]i
19. Pray for their adjustmel
and ministry there.
The offering during the Ray
was $5,561.21. This covered te
expenses of the Rally ajj
helped pay for the van der PljS
Family's trip to the Phil-
pines. Thank you for a great •
fering.
Each session of the C(
ference was taped. If you wea
unable to attend, you shot]
order the tapes. The cost i
$3.50 each or $10.50 for all thr^
These tapes will make a d
ference in your Christian 1]
and witness.
Order from the Board
Foreign Missions, P.O. Box 3
Ayden, North Carolina 28513.
Harold Joi
,1
March is
Foreign Missions
Month.
THE FREE WILL BAPTI
Rodgers Cottage
On February 24, the Children's Home took another "giant step"
faith. Rodgers Cottage was re-opened. Referrals for new
jhildren have been coming in at a surprisingly high rate. Rodgers
ottage already has six children in care, with additions pending by
le end of March. Below is a listing of children in care at all of the
jottages. Perhaps this will more clearly reflect our growth rate.
State Cottage
Central Cottage
Rodgers Cottage
Parker House
(Independent Living)
On Campus Higher Educa-
tion
TOTAL
NUMBER IN CARE
11
6
6
4
1
28
VACANCIES AVAILABLE
1
6
0
13
If the current growth rate continues, full capacity may be
lossible within six months. Things are happening at the Children's
lome ! The ministry of caring for children is still a vital part of our
!enominational work.
More information about the details of Rodgers Cottage opening
iail be coming out in the "Children's Home Life" publication in
ipril. In that publication, you will be introduced to the new
louseparents, some of the new children, and you will be given an
'inside view" of the preparations for Rodgers' opening back in
February.
DEVELOPMENTAL,
PLANNING
! On March 8, Mr. Parker
McLendon, with North Carolina
I!hild Care Association, led a
'vorkshop at the Children's
Home that dealt with an aspect
)f our ministry called
'Developmental Planning."
This term implies much more
than the idea of being society's
'life-raft for unfortunate
children." It has two aspects, of
'which one cannot successfully
exist without the other; those
aspects are, "Developmental"
land "Planning."
jrHE FREE WILL BAPTIST
All of us know what is in-
volved in "planning." It must
include such things as clear
definitions of the task, an
assessment of the available
resources to achieve that task,
alternatives of possible ways to
achieve the task, plans to im-
plement those alternatives, and
clearly defined methods of
evaluating the accomplish-
ments of the task. But the idea
of planning is not the
"clincher." It is the concept of
"Developmental" that is the
key to successful child care
practice.
■Children's Home
Every child that enters the
Children's Home comes with an
entirely unique set of cir-
cumstances. Consequently, we
must begin with each child
where HE is, not where we are!
Discernment of a child's per-
sonal world is not an easy task.
It takes skill, empathy, clear
and accurate information, and
much long-suffering; many
times, to even begin to find the
child's real needs. Once those
needs are discerned, the child
is dealt with on a day-to-day
basis. As he progresses through
his plan of care, adjustments
are made to adapt to whatever
needs may arise in his personal
and group experiences. Thus,
planning is a daily process that
evolves as the child develops. It
is much more easily placed on
paper than it is actually done!
But this is REALITY at the
Children's Home. Pray for us.
CONGRATULATIONS ON
YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS
On February 20, seven of our
residents enjoyed dinner at the
Pizza Inn in Wilson. Willie,
Jonathan, Loretta, Ericka, An-
na, and Ann enjoyed a delicious
meal of pizza, spaghetti, salad,
and tea. These children were
rewarded this outing due to
their receiving good grades
during the second grading
period. We are very proud of
these children for their hard
work and accomplishments.
A special congratulations is
extended to Ann, a seventh
grader at Southern Nash Junior
High School, who was awarded
a certificate for being on the B
Honor Roll. Congratulations,
Ann, for a job well done. We're
proud of you!
SLEEPING WELL
Thanks to you, our children
are "sleeping well." In
January, we issued a request
for donations of pillows for our
children. Your response was
overwhelming! We received
enough funds to completely
refurnish every child's bed on
(Continued on Page 14)
7
Mount Olive College
Endowment of the Week
MAMIE M. AND
ARTHUR KENNEDY
FAMILY ENDOWMENT
Arthur Kennedy
June 5, 1917— March 13, 198k
In 1967, Arthur Kennedy of
Beulaville, North Carolina,
named Mount Olive College the
owner and beneficiary of a life
insurance policy. In 1976, he
and Mrs. Kennedy invested in
the Pooled Income Fund of the
College; in 1977, they estab-
lished a Charitable Remainder
Unitrust Agreement with
Mount Olive, and upon Mr.
Kennedy's death on March 15,
his family invited friends to
make memorial gifts to the Col-
lege.
Income from all of these
sources will be used to fund the
"Mamie M. and Arthur Ken-
nedy Family Endowment."
The principal of the Endow-
ment will be invested and the
income will be used to "provide
perpetual support for the work
of Mount Olive College as an in-
stitution of Christian higher
education sponsored by the
North Carolina State Conven-
tion of Original Free Will Bap-
tists."
Kennedy was a long-time
member of Sandy Plain Church
in Duplin County where he
served as a deacon for thirty-
six years. An ardent supporter
8
of Mount Olive College, he
served on the College Board of
Trustees for sixteen years
(1966-1982). He was a retired
farmer and served as chairman
of the Board of Coastal Produc-
tion Credit Association for
more than thirty-five years.
In addition to his wife,
Kennedy is survived by
four children: Mrs. Tommy
(Frances) Fitzgerald Bostic Sr.
of Beulaville, Hayes Dean Ken-
nedy of Pink Hill, Mrs. R. A.
(Faye) Willard Jr. of Raleigh,
and Arthur Frederic Kennedy
of Marietta, Georgia. Three of
the Kennedy children, Frances,
Dean and Arthur Frederic,
daughter-in-law (Mrs. Dee
Kennedy, the former Tre\f
Jeanes) and a granddaught*
(Melanie K. Seymour) ail
alumni of Mount Olive.
In his funeral tribute, Pres
dent W. Burkette Rape
described Kennedy as "on
man in a thousand," whose lii
was characterized by justic
and mercy toward his fe
lowman and devout faith i
God.
"So when a great man dies,
For years beyond our kin,
The light he leaves behind him lies
Upon the paths of Men."— Longfellov
COLLEGE HALL SEATING PROJECT
Mount Olive College
During the week of March 13-19, seven chairs and sev<
bleacher seats were contributed to the College Hall seating projec
Gifts to date have totaled 898 chairs and 318 bleacher seats.
The goal of 800 chairs has been reached, but 882 bleacher sea
remain to be sponsored. The cost of sponsoring a bleacher is $H>
which may be given at one time or in installments ($25 quarterly <
$10 monthly). Gifts may be in honor or in memory of persoi
chosen by the donor and a name plate will be used to recognize tl
donor and the person honored or memorialized.
Summary of College Hall Bleacher Seats
Through March 19
Contributed
Needed or Pledged
Balanl
Bleacher Seats ($100 each)
1,200
Chairs: March 13-19
318
Donors
Peace Church, Pinetops
In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. Tommie Smith
By the Children, Richlands
In Honor of the Rev. Carl D. Lyons
By East Rockingham Church, East Rockingham
In Honor of Deacon John L. Idol
By East Rockingham Church, East Rockingham
In Memory of Robert Lee Worthington
By Mrs. Graham T. Olive, Winterville
In Memory of Nannie Hardee Worthington
By Mrs. Graham T. Olive, Winterville
Total
Number
of Chairs Amou
$1
$3
Bleachers: March 13-19
Wayne County Pamona Grange, Mount Olive 1
Woman's Auxiliary of First Church, Kinston 1
In Honor of L. Marvin Edwards 1
By Mrs. Berta L. Edwards, Wilson
In Memory of Anthony Joseph Christiano Sr. (Tony) 1
By Calvary Church, Wilson
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Rhodes, Beulaville 1
In Memory of Mabel O. Bunch 1
By D. W. Bryant, Stantonsburg
(Continued on Page 14)
THE FREE WILL BAPTIf
$i
1
l
FREE WILL BAPTIST STUDENT DAY
AT MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE
Free Will Baptist Student Day at Mount
►live College in January was well attended by
outh groups and their leaders. Becky Jo
umner, state youth chairman, along with over
25 young people and their sponsors met with ad-
j, nissions personnel, toured the campus and
heered the Mount Olive College Trojans to a big
e jictory over Newport News Apprentice School,
I Jewport News, Virginia.
Churches represented included: Rooty
[r branch, Walnut Creek, Rose of Sharon, Piney
jJrove (Beaufort County), St. Mary's (Craven
bounty), Lee's Chapel (Sampson County), Long
jtidge, Black Jack, Sandy Plain, Oak Grove
Bladen County), and Hickory Chapel
Albemarle Conference).
One of the very young visitors was Donna
! farrish from Walnut Creek, who came with her
i urother, Tony, a junior at North Lenoir High
School. Donna's comment, "It's funner than I
bought. " Many of these students had never
visited Mount Olive College before, and they
Jvere very excited over all the possibilities
waiting for them when they graduate from high
school.
I THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
EVANGELISM CONFERENCE
Every year, the Home Missions and Church Extension Board helps many
people— pastors, laymen and young people— by providing an Evangelism Conference
to better equip them for an effective evangelistic thrust. Again this year, we've pro-
vided extra leadership to help you and your church in your witnessing program.
SO JOIN THE CROWD— become an effective witness in your community!
ATTEND: The Evangelism Conference on April 12 and 13 at Marsh Swamp Free Will
Baptist Church, Rock Ridge, NC (see map below).
HEAR: DR. JIM McCLUSKEY— Evangelism Explosion Seminar Leader
Subjects:
1. Biblical Principles of Personal Evangelism
2. Your Church as an Evangelistic Base
DR. T. M. MOORE— Senior Vice President Evangelism
Explosion III International
Subjects:
1. Evangelism, a Total Ministry Perspective
2. Evangelism in a World-Wide Perspective
REV. RAY WILLIAMSON— Pastor, Gum Swamp F.W.B. Church
Ray is a dynamic young pastor with a burning zeal to see
people saved. He will preach on Thursday evening.
GREAT CHOIR: A combined choir of Wilson County area churches will sing Thursday
evening under the direction of Mott Batchelor.
V
Evangelism Explosion training is the
most effective program of evangelism in
America today. Dr. William Bennett uses
this program; Dr. James Kennedy uses
this program. Many other success
stories are being written with this pro-
gram.
\
ft
MOTELS
Holiday Inn, Wilson— 919-243-5111
Heart of Wilson— 919-237-3124
V2
10
See next week's issue for more details.
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS
ipr April 1
THE WAY OF
THE SERVANT
Usson Text: Mark 10:32-45
jemory Verse: Mark 10:45
• Why should the Apostle Peter
ave been so shocked when
Aesus approached him with
asin and towel on that last
flight before the Crucifixion
ilJohn 13:3-8)?
Even Jesus had never done
his before. The apostles had
aten with Jesus many times,
|nd He had accepted the ser-
l ice of others in a natural way.
l ie allowed Martha to serve
jlim at the table (Luke 10:40;
John 12:2); and He accepted
he ministrations of grateful
i|7omen (Luke 7:36-50; John
1)2:1-8). There had been other
; Passover suppers together, but
(his was the first time Jesus
liver washed the disciples' feet.
I The occasion of His last sup-
■ ier with His disciples called for
jWiat Jesus did. Even to that
|ate hour they had missed the
vhole tenor of His ministry. He
lad come to serve. He served
)y teaching and preaching. He
served by casting out demons,
lealing the sick, and even rais-
ng the dead. The greatest ser-
vice of all remained to be ac-
complished in His dying for the
iins of men. He was a serving
laviour. With the basin and the
owel He rendered a service
greater than the cleaning of
feet with water. It was the
Opening of minds with His
beaching.
II The conversations recorded
tn today's text contributed to,
[but did not wholly accomplish,
the teaching that remained to
be completed some time later
with the basin and towel.
Jesus was nearing the conclu-
sion of His public ministry. His
work in Galilee was virtually
completed, and He was making
His way through Perea, the
land east of the Jordan River,
'THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
toward the closing events in
and around Jerusalem.
Today's lesson on "The Way
of the Servant" is closely
related to last week's study of
Jesus' call to ministry. In both
instances the lesson opens with
a prediction of the Lord's suf-
fering, death, and Resurrec-
tion. In both instances some
negative response came from
the "inner circle" of the
apostles. Last week it was
Peter who responded, "Not
You, Lord," to Jesus' predic-
tion of His death. This week
James and John imply, "Not
we, Lord," to the concept of
self-forgetful service. In both
instances Jesus rebuked and
corrected the error by
reference to His own life and
ministry, past, present, and
future.
Each lesson, however, makes
its own distinctive emphasis.
Last week it was commitment
to ministry through confession
of Christ and denial of self. This
week it is the manner of
ministry, through following
Him whose dominant purpose
was not to be served, but to
serve.
James and John expressed
selfish concern about their
rewards for following Jesus,
and this not long after Jesus
had told them He was going to
be mocked, mistreated, and
finally killed. Rewards there
will be, but Jesus made it clear
that for now His disciple must
concentrate on living the life of
a true follower with all that that
demands. Bearing the Cross
must come before wearing the
crown.
The apostles finally learned
the way of the servant. John,
who asked for a seat of honor
next to Jesus in glory, found joy
and satisfaction in par-
ticipating with Christ in the af-
flictions attending His ministry
(Acts 5:40, 41). James, who was
partner with his brother in the
request, was among the
earliest to become a partner
with Jesus in suffering physical
death. for His cause (Acts 12:1,
2). The world, of course, says
that while this may be noble
and heroic, it is not very attrac-
tive. So the world imposes on us
its wisdom opposing the
wisdom of Christ.
The brother of Jesus wrote of
these two wisdoms: "Who is
wise and understanding among
you? Let him show it by his
good life, by deeds done in the
humility that comes from
wisdom. But if you harbor bit-
ter envy and selfish ambition in
your hearts, do not boast about
it or deny the truth. Such
'wisdom' does not come down
from heaven . . . But the
wisdom that comes from
heaven is first of all pure ; then
peace loving, considerate, sub-
missive, full of mercy and good
fruit, impartial and sincere"
(James 3:13-17, New Interna-
tional Version).
This is the divine wisdom of
service. — Standard Lesson
Commentary
11
Family Devotions
SUNDAY, 1
APRIL 1
Scripture Reading— 1 Samuel 1-3
"I AM OF PAUL'S PERSUASION! "
A pastor asked a dying man, "Brother, of
what persuasion are you?"
The man replied, "I am of Paul's persua-
sion."
"You don't understand me. Of what persua-
sion are you?"
"I understood you. I am of Paul's persua-
sion."
The preacher shaking his head said,
"Brother, I'm afraid I do not understand you.
You said you are of Paul's persuasion. What do
you mean? There is a Methodist persuasion, and
a Baptist persuasion, and an Episcopalian per-
suasion, and a Lutheran persuasion, and a Chris-
tian persuasion, and a Nazarene persuasion, but
what is Paul's persuasion? What is the persua-
sion of Paul?"
The man, smiling, quoted, "I know whom I
have believed, and am persuaded that he is able
to keep that which I have committed unto him
against that day" (2 Timothy 1:12).
/ believe the promises of God enough to ven-
ture an eternity on them.
MONDAY, 9
APRIL A
Scripture Reading— 1 Samuel 4-7
SECURE AND ASSURED
Some years ago the world's longest bridge
was completed at San Francisco at a cost of
seventy-seven million dollars. During the con-
struction of the first part of the bridge no safety
devices were used and twenty-three men fell to
their death in the waters far below. In the con-
struction of the second part it was decided to in-
stall the greatest safety net in the world, even
though the cost amounted to $100,000. It saved
the lives of at least ten men who fell to it without
injury. In addition to that the work went on from
15 to 25 percent faster with the men relieved
from the fear of falling. The knowledge that they
were safe left the men free to devote their
energies to the particular tasks in hand.
To be assured that neither things present nor
things to come can separate me from Christ's
love sets me gloriously free to serve with glad
alacrity.
What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
Leaning on the everlasting arms!
TUESDAY, g
APRIL
/
Scripture Reading— 1 Samuel 8-11
THE ONE IMPORTANT WORD
Dr. S. D. Gordon tells of an old Christiaj
woman whose age began to tell on her memor'
She had once known much of the Bible by hear!
Eventually only one precious bit stayed with he:1,
"I know whom I have believed, and am pel
suaded that he is able to keep that which I ha.4
committed unto him against that day." By an1
by part of that slipped its hold, and she woul'
quietly repeat, "That which I have committe1
unto him." At last, as she hovered on thj
borderline between this and the spirit world, he
loved ones noticed her lips moving. They berl
down to see if she needed anything. She wa
repeating over and over again to herself the on1
word of the text, "Him, Him, Him." She had losj
the whole Bible, but one word.
But she had the whole Bible in that one word]
WEDNESDAY, *
APRIL
Scripture Reading— 1 Samuel 12—14-23
ONE THING HE KNEW
William James Taylor, alias Bill Hennessj1
alias Ed Lynch, alias Tom O'Brien, learned thd!
he couldn't hide from God. At the age of three
behind his father's saloon he acquired a taste fc
liquor by dipping his baby fingers into the dreg
of glasses and bottles. Small wonder that bj
twelve he was a drunken street urchin. After tWj
years in a reform school he lived aimlessly untj
a second arrest placed him in an industrial irj
stitution. Gambling, drugs, and drink provided j
livelihood and made him a constant fugitiv
from the law that kept him constantly on th
move, whenever he wasn't serving sentence. Thj
night he arrived in Chicago, he hurried into th
Pacific Garden Mission to avoid what he though
were suspicious glances of a policeman. Hj
returned a second night. Again he heard thj
testimonies of what God had done for such as ht
He knelt at the altar and repeated, "God be mei1
ciful to me, a sinner, and save me now for Jesus'
sake. ' ' "I cannot tell all Jesus Christ has done fo
me. But one thing I can do, and that is tell other
about Him. And there's a lot of things I don';
know. But there's one thing I do know. That i
that God ain't any picker of persons."
God makes a promise. Faith believes it
Hope anticipates it. Patience awaits it.
12
THE FREE WILL BAPTISr
THURSDAY, g
lPRIL
St
1 sripture Reading - 1 Samuel 14 : 24 — 16
FACT, NOT FEELING
In a gospel meeting a penitent woman was
1 seking salvation. The evangelist quoted to her
6 nxious soul the assurance of Isaiah 53 : 6, and led
er to simply take God at His Word, and to de-
fend upon Christ for the remission of sin. She
/rent home rejoicing, but the next morning came
ownstairs with tears in her eyes. Her little boy,
/ho had been with her in the meeting the night
efore, asked, "Mama, what is troubling you?"
Oh," was the answer, "last night I felt that I
/as saved. But now it seems like a dream. I fear
am deceived." "Mama," said the little lad,
'get your Bible and turn to Isaiah 53:6." She did
o, and read, "The Lord hath laid on him the ini-
luity of us all." "Mama, is the verse still there?"
fYes, my son." "Then your sins were laid on
\esus," said the wise lad. The mother saw the
ruth. She took God's Word without regard to her
eelings, and then God's peace came to stay.
He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep
Ms life] for that which he cannot lose [eternal
mi.
jFRIDAY, 6
APRIL
Scripture Reading— 1 Samuel 17, 18
"IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL! "
"Saved, Alone!" This was the cablegram
ivhich Horatio Gates Spafford, author of the
nymn, "It Is Well With My Soul," received. It
'meant that his four children had gone down to a
watery grave in mid- Atlantic, and that his wife
bnly had been rescued. In his deep sorrow he was
Wondrously sustained by the God of all grace.
jOut of his sorrowing heart, he gave to the world
the great hymn of assurance :
, "When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows, like sea-billows, roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
jit is well, it is well with my soul!"
;
If we live, Christ will be with us: "Lo, I am
with you alway" (Matthew 28:20). If we die, we
will be with Christ: "I . . . desire to depart, and
ibewith Christ" (Philippians 1:23). Triumphant-
ly we exclaim, "Whether we live, or die, we are
the Lord's" (Romans 14:8).
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
SATURDAY, w
APRIL
Scripture Reading— 1 Samuel 19-21
HIS SHEPHERD FOREVER
A Scottish minister was instructing a small
boy in the home of one of his parishioners, and he
was having him read the Twenty-third Psalm.
"The LORD is my shepherd," began the little
boy ; but he was interrupted by the old minister.
"Nae, nae," he said, "ye dinna read it richt."
Again the little boy began, slowly and earnestly,
"The— LORD— is— my— shephard." But again
he was stopped. "Nae, ye dinna read it richt
yet," the old minister said, shaking his head.
"Now watch me"— and holding up his left hand
he placed the forefinger of his right hand on the
thumb of the left and said, "The"— then to the
next finger, "LORD"— and to the next,
"is"— and then grasping firmly the fourth finger,
he said, "You TAKE HOLD on the fourth one and
say, 'My.' " "Oh," exclaimed the little boy, "it's
'The LORD is MY shepherd!' " Not long after-
ward the little boy followed the sheep out to
pasture one morning, and later his broken little
body was found at the foot of a steep cliff, over
which he had evidently fallen by accident. The
life was gone, but the grief-stricken parents saw
one thing that cheered their hearts, for the little
right hand, though cold in death, was clasped
firmly upon the fourth finger of his left, and they
knew that their little laddie was safe in the arms
of HIS Shepherd.
Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand,
But I know Who holds tomorrow,
And I know Who holds my hand!
Portions selected from Knight's Master Book of New Il-
lustrations, Walter B. Knight.
"STRETCHED TO SERVE"
(Continued from Page 3)
mind and producing an authoritarian men-
tality. In contrast, Christian education is a
way of helping people grow, to stretch,
thereby equipping them to serve."
It is the person who desires to be
"stretched" mentally and spiritually that will
most likely create that same desire in others.
Our State Sunday School Convention is not
perfect. We lack in many areas. But one of the
most significant happenings in the church year
for Free Will Baptists is that annual gathering
of its educational specialists— the Sunday
school teachers and Sunday school officers.
This year on March 31, we are hoping for the
best attendance ever. College Hall is the place
to be on that day. I hope to see you there !
13
MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE
(Continued from Page 8)
In Honor of Charlie, Michael and Sandra Nobles 1 100
By Mr. and Mrs. Archie Nobles, Winterville
Total T 700*
(Note: A Bleacher Seat previously reported by Winterville Sunday
School is in memory of Clyde Hines and Randolph Harris.)
CHILDREN'S HOME
(Continued from Page 7)
campus. This was a much-
needed project, and we thank
you for your input. With enroll-
ment increasing almost every
week, none of these pillows
which have been purchased will
be unused for very long. When
you lie down to rest tonight, you
may be blessed to know that
because of you, the children in
your Child Care Ministry are
also "sleeping well."
STAFF PROVIDES
EDUCATIONAL AND
VOCATIONAL TRD?S
On February 22, 1984, our
three-to eleven-year-olds
visited the Sheriff's Depart-
ment and Police Department in
Wilson, North Carolina. We
began our tour with an in-
troduction by Officer Jimi
Tant. He demonstrated to the
children how information on a
person through the use of the
computer is obtained.
We were then taken to a room
where offenders are finger-
printed and pictures taken. We
toured the jail cells and learned
about the daily routine of the in-
mates. At the conclusion of the
tour, the children were given
honorary Junior Sheriff Cer-
tificates.
Next, we visited the Wilson
Police Department where we
received an informative and in-
teresting presentation by Of-
ficer Skinner. We were shown
the different departments and
what responsibility each had in
regards to the law and in-
vestigation. Our tour ended
with a "question-answer" ses-
sion concerning crime preven-
tion.
We appreciate the help and
cooperation from all the
various organizations, agen-
cies, and businesses that have
allowed us to visit. Since
January, the children have
visited the Wilson Fire Depart-
ment, Police Department,
Sheriff's Department, and a
tour at the United States Post
Office on March 21. We plan to
visit the following in the near
future : a school for the hearing
impaired, tobacco company,
nursing home, travel agency,
etc. The staff of the Free Will
Baptist Children's Home, Inc.
feels this is good educational
and social learning experienc
for our children and hope th
we can continue with our toui
THE GENERAL
CONFERENCE OF
ORIGINAL FWB
In the early 1960s, the GeP
eral Conference of Origirl
Free Will Baptists began I
organize. The purpose of 111
organization was to unil
Original Free Will Baptists ill
Christian fellowship for the a|
vancement of the Kingdom I
God through worship, missiol
and evangelism, educatiol
literature, benevolence ail
other means as may be mutua
ly agreed upon. This fellowshl
recognizes the individul
freedom and mutual depefl
dence of all who believe
Jesus Christ as Lord ail
Saviour.
Through the beginning yeaa
of the conference there wen
several states representing
among these were: Nortii
Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina
Virginia, West VirginiJ
Georgia, and Florida
However, time has taken il
toll. In the past conferentji
meeting (June 20, 21, 22, 198S
North Carolina was the onl
state representing.
We would very much like 111
reestablish this fellowship. Th
can be done through letter c
phone communication, but tli
most effective is personal coi
tact. We need to use all thre
and, as you know, diplomacy i
of the greatest importance.
We plead for the prayers <:
our ministers and churches an
also to increase your contribi
tions that we might be able 1
carry out this task that i
before us.
Eespectfully submitted
Rev. Steve Hargrov
President of the General Conferent
1984 YEARBOOKS
NOW
AVAILABLE
14
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'
VBS— A REAL MINISTRY
I
Vacation Bible School is
many things. It is a
ministry. It is boys and
girls singing and having
fun; it is teachers telling
Bible stories and advising
students. It begins with
churches planning and
working to get ready. And
it is all worth it when
young people (and adults!)
come to know Jesus
Christ as their Lord and
Saviour.
The theme of the 1984
materials is All Things
Through Him. Based on
the life of the Apostle
Paul, this curriculum of-
fers biblical teaching
balanced with activities
that serve to reinforce
truths taught. An added
plus this year is our mis-
sions study.
Learn more about this curriculum: attend the showing nearest you!
April 2 Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc. 7:30 p.m.
3 Smithfield Bible and Bookstore, Smithfield 7:30 p.m.
5 Foundation Bible and Bookstore, Whiteville Mini-Mall,
Whiteville 7:30 p.m.
!lHE FREE WILL BAPTIST
15
JOIN THE CROWD-
BECOME EFFECTIVE!
lYou should attend the 1984 Evangelism
Conference, April 12 and 13, at
Marsh Swamp Church, Sims,
North
Carolina.
v
Original Free Will Baptist
Home Missions
and
Church Extension
Box 38
Ayden, NC 28513
16
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS
The Free Will Baptist
CONTENTS
Editorial 2
Feature 4
Weekly Features
News and Notes 5
Home Missions 7
Foreign Missions 8
Children's Home 10
Mount Olive College 11
Family Devotions 16
The Christian Nurturer 8
New Location for Winterville Church 9
Volume 99 Number 13
April 4, 1984
Janie Jones Sowers
Editor
Edited and published forty -eight times a year by the Free Will Baptist Press
Foundation, Inc., 811 North Lee Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513-0158. Second-
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina (USPS 209-440).
All materials to be placed in any issue must be in the hands of the editor seven
days prior to the publication date of that issue.
The purpose of this paper is to promote the cause of Christ among Original
Free Will Baptists, and we reserve the right to refuse any article or news that is
inconsistent with our purpose, programs, or policies, and that does not reflect a
spirit of harmony and cooperation with the Free Will Baptist Press Foundation
and the North Carolina State Convention of Original Free Will Baptists.
The contents herein do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or policies of the
editor or of The Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for each article is given the
person whose name appears under the title or to the person submitting said arti-
cle.
Items for publication should be addressed to the Editor, The Free Will Bap-
tist, P. O. Box 158, Ayden, North Carolina 28513-0158.
All subscriptions are payable In advance: one year, $8.84; two years, $16.12;
four years, $31.20 (Including sales tax for North Carolina residents) ; residents of
other states, $8.50, $15.50 and $30 respectively (plus sales tax where It applies).
Every -Family Plan: A 25 percent discount given when local churches send
the "Baptist" to the home of every member; names and addresses to be pro-
vided by churches. Churches are billed quarterly.
Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists" are sent to one individual who in
turn distributes these. A 50 percent discount Is offered under this plan.
Bookstore Hours: Ayden and Smlthfteld, and Whltevllle 9 a.m.— 5 p.m., Mon-
day—Saturday.
New Bern, Wilson, and Kins ton, 9:30 a.m.— 5 p.m., Monday— Saturday.
Board of Directors
Dewey Boling, President; C. Felton Godwin, Vice President; Ruth Taylor,
Secretary; Adrian Grubbs, Assistant Secretary; Robert May; Eddie Edwards,
Marice DeBruhl; James Billy Hardee; De Wayne Eakes; David W. Hansley,
Chairman Emeritus.
Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.: Cliff Gray, Executive Director;
Bobby Pennington, Financial Director; Janie Jones Sowers, Editor of Literature.
From the Editor's FenMttiHi
Is the Church Militant)
Obsolete? 1
There are two basic explanations given
whenever the cause of deterioration in any
organization is being sought. The first explai ,.
tion, obsolescence, claims that the product o.J
service rendered by that particular organiza
tion is no longer needed or that it has been
replaced by some modern equivalent. The se
ond explanation points to the existence of int\
nal failure. This reasoning relates the organic
tion's inability to provide needed products or
service, possibly because of incompetence or
inefficiency.
In consideration of the church, let's just
assume (as so many do) that we have just nr.1
kept pace with the times. So, considering ob-1
solescence, we could say that religion is no
longer needed, that churches are no longer
needed and/or that current methods are
hopelessly out-of-date.
Some people believe that the church has
served its purpose— if it ever had one. These
dividuals proclaim, "It may have been useful
as a device for social control in the days befo»
science and democracy and the industrial
revolution, but we've outgrown that." Others
agree with Karl Marx that religion is merely
the "opium of the masses, serving only to clolj
man's ability to perceive his problems, dulW
his power to solve them rationally and scien- 1
tifically." To this I say that man's condition
has not changed. He is sinful and in need of tl
Saviour, Jesus Christ!
There are a good number of people who s)
that churches are no longer needed. Some of
these people concede that religion may linger
on in some form or another; but they believe \
will do so without much of the "ecclesiastical
encumbrances" —bureaucracies— that are
weighting it down today. In our age of growin
disenchantment with bureaucratic organiza- >
tions, churches are apt to receive more than
their fair share of criticism. Many of those wl
say churches are no longer needed are conten
to view existing difficulties as being the result
of defects, deteriorations or overextensions th
exist within any type of organization.
Then again, there are those individuals
who could accept the existence of religion and
"endure" the survival of churches if their
beliefs were not so "absurd" and their re-
quirements were more "reasonable." These
people claim that sectarian differences were
2
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS
I ijesome a century ago and are even more so
i lay; they say that with the advance of
> ience, belief in the supernatural is untenable.
I ]i»r the church to survive, they claim it should
jjt require uniformity to any standards or
/escribe any certain mode of behavior. They
sy it definitely should not distinguish between
Use who are "saved" and those who are
'Dst." According to their reasoning, only a
'jolerant," "reasonable," and "relevant"
rligion can survive in modern society— and
ten that is unlikely.
' Before continuing let's note these
£sessments of obsolescence again: It is said
tpt (1) modern man no longer needs religion;
(|) even if he needs religion, he no longer
reds the church; and (3) even if he wants
rligion and the church, he doesn't want them
vth "absurd beliefs, unreasonable re-
direments, irrelevant preoccupations, and
^Unctions between those who belong and
tpse who do not." Let me point out that a good
limber of people strongly hold to these
ijliefs— and these individuals can be found in
{id out of the church. But let me also hasten to
ad, the only noteworthy feature about these
{ioms is that they are directly contrary to the
< idence.
Those who plead that the church is obsolete
s an explanation for deterioration) must rely
Lther heavily upon a similar state of affairs
iflicting other structures similarly engaged,
jt is awkward if competition is thriving, grow-
ig, proliferating in what is supposedly a
r^iformly hostile climate." Such an occurrence
'^sts doubts upon the whole notion that the
puble is in the times and not in the organiza-
|>n. Yet this is precisely the situation that ex-
its among churches : not all religious bodies
|e declining! "While most mainline Protestant
^nominations are trying to survive what they
)pe will be a temporary adversity, other
^nominations are overflowing with vitality"
pean M. Kelley, Why Conservative Churches
re Growing).
This bears evidence that religion is not ob-
|lete ; churches are not defunct bodies ; it also
mtradicts the contemporary notion that an
Acceptable" religion is needed, for it is the
lurches that are not reasonable, tolerant,
iumenical or relevant by modern man's terms
j&t are alive and well and experiencing
fowth! I must note for the sake of emphasis
lat according to commonly held beliefs groups
hich persist in unreasonable and unsociable
phavior should not be flourishing— but they
fe!
Professor George R. LaNouse Jr. , Colum-
ia University, has studied this. His research
ailed for him to match liberal and conser-
ative branches of several denominational
HE
families against themselves. While the liberal
branches seem more affluent and mobile, while
their members may have more education than
their counterparts, while they may seem more
attuned to social and demographic trends, they
are not growing— their conservative branches
are!
Let's face it: Churches that have not tried
to adjust to the times, to "ingratiate
themselves with the world," in most cases are
not declining. There is no indication that
religion is obsolete, churches are outdated or
that modernization is helpful. This causes me
to suspect that the declining churches are not
victims of changing times but of internal
failure— they are not able to provide a needed
service, or at least are not doing so.
Perhaps we have not adequately
understood or performed our essential
business, that being the dispensing of religion,
the spreading of the gospel in the world. If we
do not know how, it is time that we learned! If
we do not care that people are dying without
Christ, we need to examine ourselves and our
purpose for being here.
It is time that we look at the internal
dynamics that are at work within our
denomination. It is time that we make "souls
our goal" and that those converted be dis-
cipled!
It is time that we get about our Father's
business— in other words, it is past time that
we go to work !
FREE WILL BAPTIST
DISCERNMENT
AND
COMMITMENT
by J. A. Davidson
The late Ian T. Ramsey, an English bishop
who was one of the more influential
philosophers of religion in our time, pointed out
in one of his books that at the heart of religion
there is "a discernment which provokes a com-
mitment." That points to a basic element in the
development of personal faith which is biblical-
ly grounded.
We begin in the way of faith when we
discern that God cares about us and cares for
us, that God wills our good and wishes to main-
tain a creative relationship with us. This
discernment is probably for most of us— at
least, at the beginning of the venture that is
faith— a rather vague and puzzling one. We
may not know quite what to do with it, but it
can be enough to open the mind and heart to
God's Spirit. And this discernment can indeed
provoke a commitment.
But what does religious commitment en-
tail? Is it simply a matter of giving intellectual
assent to a set of religious propositions?
Thomas Hardy, a great English novelist and
poet, said that his long dramatic poem, The
Dynasts, was "for mental performance only."
We sometimes treat religion as if it were "for
mental performance only"— essentially a
philosophy of life, primarily an intellectual ex-
ercise.
But the intellectual playing with religious
ideas is sometimes more a way of evading
religious commitment than a way of expressing
it. Aldous Huxley pointed to this danger when
he said this of a character in one of his novels:
"implicitly claiming to be religious just
because he could talk a lot of high-class
boloney about religion."
Commitment, of course, does have an in-
tellectual dimension. The venture of faith does
not repudiate intellect, but, rather, demands I
our hardest thinking. But commitment is nevl
merely in the acceptance of beliefs and doc- I
trines. Commitment is in the active devotion I
all that we have and all that we are to what vf
discern to be God's purposes for us.
But we Christians tend to put limits and
restrictions on our commitments in faith, limp
and restrictions that we use to save ourselves
from inconvenience and embarrassment. Thej*
is an old story about a man who at a revival j
meeting "found salvation"; he fell to his kne^
and prayed fervently, "Use me, O Lord, use
me in thy work," and then, after a pause, he I
added, "I mean, O Lord, in an advisory capal
ty."
In the biblical understanding of it commi
ment is not merely something that we do: it i
a biblical insight that in and through our com
mitments something is done to us and done fc
us. Commitment is, in effect, a two-way stree
a matter of both giving and receiving.
Commitment, as many of us have
discovered, is a means of learning, a way of
coming to knowledge. In and through our con
mitments we come to know God better, are
helped to discern His purposes for us— and
guided to deeper understanding of ourselves
and of our relations with one another. Joseph
Oldham, an English theologian, in his impor-
tant book of some years ago, Life Is Commit-
ment, put the matter in this way: "There are
some things in life— and they may be the mos
important things— that we cannot know by
research or reflection, but only by committinj
ourselves."
(Used by permission of Pulpit Digest, P.O. Box 51!,
Jackson, Mississippi 39216.)
4
THE FREE WILL BAPTK
PLEASANT HILL WOMEN
HAVE COTTAGE PRAYER MEETINGS
1 H
I
The Pleasant Hill Woman's Auxiliary has had cottage prayer
reetings recently in the homes of two shut-ins.
1 On Sunday afternoon, February 26, they visited with Louise
]<itchell and her sister, Martie Willoughby. The pastor, the Rev.
lanry Armstrong, gave a devotion, and Nan Pierce read a poem.
.<! the group joined in singing hymns and prayer.
On Sunday afternoon, March 25, they met in the home of J. R.
id Sarah Pilkington. Their daughter, Sabra Pittman, gave a devo-
on in the form of an object lesson. She used eggs to show how God
; unable to use some people because they are empty shells or hard-
ened. But those who are fresh eggs can be used. She also read a
3em, and Ginger and Cori Bunn sang "Jesus Loves Me." After-
jards, they visited with the Pilkingtons.
'HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
HNews 81 Notes
REVIVAL TIME
Through April 6
Grimsley Church, Greene
County
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Rev. Don Fader, evan-
gelist
April 8-11
Marlboro Church, near Farm-
ville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Rev. Walter Sutton,
evangelist
The Rev. Scott Sowers,
pastor
April 8-13
King's Cross Roads Church,
Route 1, Fountain
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Rev. Mike Scott, evan-
gelist
The Rev. Bruce Jones,
pastor
April 9-12
Stoney Creek, near Goldsboro
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Rev. Earl Glenn, evan-
gelist
The Rev. Gary Bailey,
pastor
April 9-13
Pleasant Plain Church, John-
ston County
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Rev. Floyd Cherry,
evangelist
The Rev. Ernie Price,
pastor
Otter's Creek Church, Route 1,
Macclesfield
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Rev. Cedric Pierce Jr.,
evangelist
The Rev. Ralph Ay cock,
pastor
Piney Grove Church, near Al-
bertson
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Rev. Marvin Waters,
evangelist
The Rev. N. Bruce Barrow,
pastor
(Turn the Page)
April 16-20
Union Chapel Church, near
Plymouth
Time: 7:30 p.m.
(Prayer room opens, 7:15
p.m.)
The Rev. Bobby Brown,
evangelist
The Rev. Swade Benson,
pastor
Smith's New Home Church,
Route 1, Deep Run
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Rev. Ray Williamson,
evangelist
The Rev. A. B. Bryan,
pastor
Gospel Sing at
Otter's Creek Church
On Saturday night, April 14,
Otter's Creek Church, Route 1,
Macclesfield, will have a gospel
sing featuring "The King's
Messengers." The time of the
services is 7:30 p.m. Everyone
is invited to attend these ser-
vices.
Upcoming Events at
Piney Grove Church
Piney Grove Church, near
Albertson, announces that they
will have Easter sunrise ser-
vice beginning at 6 a.m., on
April 22. It will be followed by a
breakfast in the fellowship hall.
Homecoming services will be
Sunday, May 6, at Piney Grove
Church. Activities for the day
will begin with Sunday school
at 9:45 a.m. Everyone is invited
to attend.
Western District Woman
To Meet
The Western District
Woman's Auxiliary Convention
will be held on April 14, 1984, at
Mt. Zion Church, in Nash Coun-
ty.
Directions to the church are
as follows: Take 581 North, to
64 By-Pass East. Take By-Pass
to Momeyer Exit. Turn left tak-
ing next road to right, and then
take next road to right ; this is
the Mt. Zion Church road. Or
when on 581, before getting to 64
By-Pass which is just outside of
6
Spring Hope, watch for
Ephesus Baptist Church on left.
The By-Pass is just down the
road after passing this church.
The theme of the convention
will be "Look to Jesus." The
Scripture will be taken from
Hebrews 12:1, 2. The scheduled
program is as follows:
9 : 15— Registration
9:45— Hymn, "My Faith Looks Up to
Thee"
—Devotion, Host Church
—Welcome, Host Church
— President's Remarks, Donna
Holland, Union Grove, Wayne
County
10:15— Hymn, "Stand Up, Stand Up for
Jesus"
—Look to Jesus with Benevolence,
Esther Barnes, Little Rock
—Look to Jesus with Missions,
Nancy Duncan, Free Union
—Look to Jesus with Our Youth,
Suzanne Coates, Pine Level
11:00— Hymn, "Living for Jesus"
—Offering and Prayer
—Special Music, Jennifer Gudace,
Pine Level
—Convention Message, Suzanne
Coates, Pine Level
12:00— Lunch
1:00— Hymn, "In the Service of the
King"
—Devotion, Louise Cuddington,
Piney Grove
—Business Session
—Hymn, "I Surrender All"
—Benediction
Cape Fear Youth Fellowship
News-n-Review
The Cape Fear Youth Rally
met at Shady Grove Church on
March 3, 1984, at 7:30 p.m.
Lee's Chapel won the youth
banner with 27 ; Pleasant Grove
won the overall banner with 41 ;
Haymount won the percentage
banner with 12 out of 12.
Miss Becky Sumner, State
Youth Chairman, gave infor-
mation on the following: State
Convention to be held May 18,
19, and 20, at Mount Olive Col-
lege, candidates for corre-
sponding secretary and presi-
dent on the state level, and
Cragmont. YFA week at Crag-
mont is Juiy 2-7 and AFC week
is July 9-14.
Judging on arts and crafts
projects was held. In the YFA
division best in show was
awarded to Raleigh Walker.
Other YFA winners were Leigh
Ann McLamb and Chris NorrL
Best in show in the AFC dhsl;
sion was Wendy Smith. Othd
AFC winners were Chris Tev
Amy Willis, Stephanie Butlei
and Michael Lee. Best in iti
show in the Cherub division waj
Misty Smith. Jonathan Surk|
and Matthew Canady werj
other Cherub winners. In th
Creative Writing category tlr
AFC winner was Christa Kuh
and the YFA winner was Trac
McLamb.
The Bible Bowl Competitio
was held. First place in th
YFAs was Wanda Fairclotl
Janet Howell, Robin Denninj
and Herman Cottle from Plej
sant Grove. Second place in th
YFAs was Tracy McLaml
Raleigh Walker, Jody Barefoo
and Jenneth Modlin froi
Shady Grove. First in the AFC
was Greg Jackson, Can
Surles, Rita Jernigan, an
Michael Lee from Shad
Grove.
The next meeting is on Apr
7, 1984, at 7:30 p.m., at Lee
Chapel.
Pre-Easter Service at
Plymouth Church
A Pre-Easter Service will I
held at Plymouth Church cj
April 20, 1984. The time of tt
service is 7:30 p.m. Th
scheduled program is a
follows:
Piano Prelude, Mrs. Lucille Jones
Song Leader, the Rev. Robert May
Hymn 48, "At the Cross"
Reading, the Rev. Frank Thigpen
Prayer, the Rev. Frank Thigpen
Welcome, the Rev. Floyd Burkey
Response, the Rev. L. A. Ambrose
Special, Plymouth Church
Lord's Supper, the Rev. Charlie Ove
ton
Special, "New Day Spirituals"
Hymn 174, "In the Garden"
"Jesus' Agony in the Garden," the Re
Floyd Burkey
Special, Mt. Zion Quintette
"The Trial of Jesus," the Rev. Aubn
Williamson
Special, "New Day Spirituals"
"The Cross," the Rev. Joseph Lehmar
Special, Mt. Zion Quintette
Hymn 313, "Just As I Am"
(Continued on Page 19)
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS
CURRENT HOME MISSIONS PROGRAM
Current Mission Points
Eastwood, Fayetteville The Rev. W. S. Burns
Agape, Raleigh The Rev. Ronnie Hall
Grifton, Grifton The Rev. James Sowers
First, Wilmington The Rev. D. C. Hansley
First, St. Cloud, Florida The Rev. William Bronson
Horton Road, Durham The Rev. Harry Brown
♦Emmanuel, Charlotte The Rev. Ken Hardison
♦New Work
Camp for the Deaf, Eagles Nest The Rev. and Mrs. Dale Albertson
Ministry to Laotian Refugees The Rev. Bob Harber
in cooperation with the General Baptists (Five Churches)
Future Plans :
A new mission in Whiteville ( As hecome available)
A new mission in Morganton
-APRIL IS HOME MISSIONS MONTH
We are asking all our churches to take a special offering on Easter as a
memorial offering for Taylor Hill, our first director.
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
The new building on the campus of Palawan Bible Institute i!
the Philippines is taking shape. It is scheduled to be completed b
May 1. We have received $21,718.79 or 1,447.91 square feet. We stii
need contributions of $5,881.30 or 392.09 square feet to finish thi
project. Churches and individuals can help by donating one or mor
square feet. Cost per square foot is $15. Send your contributions t
the Board of Foreign Missions, P.O. Box 38, Ay den, North Carolim
28513.
THE
CHRISTIAN NURTURER
by Bass Mitchell
Part V: Nurturing Through the
Enlisting Process
How we go about recruiting
teachers is a vital factor in hav-
ing a climate in which they will
be self-motivated. The way we
enlist them and the way we pre-
sent the teaching ministry will
profoundly influence the kinds
of attitudes they begin to form
about teaching. Therefore, we
need to use the enlisting pro-
cess in a way that fosters
positive, uplifting, and inspired
attitudes. If such attitudes are
formed at the beginning, then
they will serve to foster greater
commitment and higher mo-
rale throughout the teacher's
ministry.
Let me suggest some ways
you can use the enlisting pro-
cess to help create a motiva-
tional climate.
First, set a time to meet with
the prospective teacher when
you both have privacy and ade-
quate time. Ask to see them at
home, or take them out to
lunch, or have coffee together.
By doing this you are saying, "I
have an important and serious
matter I would like to discuss
with you." Never try to enlist a
teacher on the spur of the mo-
ment in the hallway before or
after the Sunday school session.
This conveys the attitude that
teaching is so insignificant that
the person can make a decision
about it in thirty seconds! Meet
with them in a friendly and
relaxed environment. Never
press them for an immediate
answer. Encourage them to
take time and pray about it. Do
you begin to see the kinds of at-
titudes this approach conveys
about teaching?
Second, share with them why
you and the nominating com-
mittee feel they are the best
persons for the jobs. They want
to know what you see in them
which qualifies them to teach.
Share with them your percep-
tions of their gifts and abilities.
(Continued on Page 19)
8
PBI GARDEN
RECEIVES A GIFT
The members of the Spring
Hill Church have given to the
Palawan Bible Institute garden
an electric water pump, a
three-hundred-gallon water
tank and a ten-foot-high steel
tower.
These fine people and theii
pastor, the Rev. and Mrs. Bi!
Dale, became aware of thj
need last year. They accepte
the challenge as God's will fo
them above their regular giv
ing to Foreign Missions. Go
proved Himself faithful an
they completed the $1,100 fo
the project by the time th
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'
aker family returned to the
hilippines in June, 1983.
In June when we returned it
as the beginning of rainy
?ason so we set a date of
anuary, 1984, as the deadline
>r installation. From January
) June, we get very little or no
ain so our crops in the garden
sually die.
God has proven Himself
lithful to us here also. We are
lankful to announce that the
lectric pump, tank and tower
rere installed on schedule the
rst week of January, 1984. It
as been in service for about
iree weeks and is such a bless-
ig. Not only can we now keep
ur vegetables growing but we
an also expand other projects
yr the garden.
The PBI garden provides
/ork scholarships for the
tudents. This enables the
jtudents to pay their school ex-
tenses. The things produced by
he students in the garden are
ised by the school to help hold
itown operating expenses.
We are so thankful for this
jft. We are thankful for the
jompassion this church and its
pastor have shown for reaching
he lost with the gospel.
There is something you and
our church can do also. The
ask of world evangelization is
tot completed. Pray and ask
rod what He would have you
lo. Everyone must be involved
n making Christ known or else
'HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
stand in open rebellion against
God.
We are expecting the
greatest year ever on the
Philippine field as we work
together as co-laborers with
Christ, Spring Hill and every
Free Will Baptist.
Fred P. Baker
Missionary to the Philippines
NEW LOCATION FOR
WIN TE R VILLE CHURCH
by Gladys Corbett
With mixed emotions we
began our Sunday school ser-
vice in our new church facility
on Glendale Street in Winter-
ville, March 11. Everything
looked so pretty with fresh
flowers to enhance the beauty
of freshly painted walls. But
somehow, it was different. Our
members weren't in their
regular seats. It was hard to
find certain people. The music
sounded different. The Rev.
Don Riberio had stated our feel-
ings so well and then reminded
us that the same Spirit of Christ
was there, for He dwells in His
people.
We sang praises to our God
and thanked Him for His great
love and blessings. Miss Leah
McGlohon sang "Bless This
House"; the choir sang
"Everybody Sing Praise to the
Lord"; and the children sang
"We've Got a Great Big
Wonderful God." Pastor Ed
Taylor admonished us to live
for Christ and keep Him first in
all things. We gathered around
the altar for a prayer of con-
secration.
The Improvement Commit-
tee—Mrs. Louise Hines, Mrs.
Jewell Lawrence, Bill Chur-
chill, Claudie McLawhorn, and
William Nobles— together with
the church trustees thanked
everyone for their participation
in making the dream of a new
church a reality. The late Ran-
dolph Harris, deceased
member of the committee, was
recognized for his faithfulness.
Pittman Hines, retired state
employee, was recognized for
contributing his labor for 18
months to help build the new
church.
As the congregation left we
were each given a packet of
grass seed to plant on a
prepared plot, symbolic of
planting seeds for the Master.
Just as we will watch the seeds
grow, we want to see the cause
of Christ grow in our church
and community.
We literally brought our
memories of the old church
with us, individually written
and placed in a memory box to
be read later. As we reflect on
our last weekend in the old
church, we think about the wed-
ding we celebrated there on
Saturday. And then on Sunday
one of our men was saved and
baptized. Our tears of remem-
brance for loved ones and good
times were mingled with tears
of joy for this new child of God.
What better way could we have
climaxed our services in the old
church? Or, what better way to
begin in a new location than by
praising God? To God be the
glory for it all.
April is
Home Missions
and Church
Extension Month.
Children's Home
ADDITION TO EDUCATION STAFF
If you will remember, we introduced you to our new tutor, Clint
Johnson, for the Children's Home in an earlier publication. Now we
have a new "official" member on our education staff. His name is
"Apple II." Earlier recognition was given to Mr. Johnson for ob-
taining free use of the computer for one month from "Computer
Displays" of Rocky Mount. Since that time, Mr. Johnson has had
tremendous response from the children by using the computer.
Consequently, he took it upon himself to approach the P.T.A. of
Vincent-Bynum School, of which he is Principal, about purchasing
the computer for the Children's Home. In just a matter of days,
above nine hundred dollars was donated for the purchase of the
computer. The President of the P.T.A. , Mrs. Phyllis Babb, and her
husband spear-headed the drive that led to the donation. We would
like to publicly express our deep appreciation to Mr. Johnson, Mr.
and Mrs. Babb, and the following individuals for their empathetic
kindness toward our cause, at the Children's Home. One-hundred-
dollar donations were given by the following:
Mr. John Bolt, Dr. John Watson, Mr. Boysen Diemer, Dr. Jerry Woodard, Dr.
Joseph Russell, Dr. Allen Whitaker, Mr. Ben Brockwell, Dr. Robert Sloop, and
Mr. Stuart Arens.
Now that we have the hardware, it will be of great importance
that we begin building up our library of software. Perhaps this
may be a worthy project for some of our churches to consider.
10
SPECIAL DELIVERY
On March 21, our childrej
ages 3 to 11, enjoyed a tour*
the Wilson Post Office. ll
Lamm, supervisor of the ma
carriers, led the tour. Tl
children were shown the pr
cess of what happens to a lett<
from the time it is mailed unl
it is delivered by the mailma
They learned the importance i
zip codes and the various pos
tions within the postal servi(
such as inspectors, route ca
riers, postmasters, and supe
visors.
We appreciate the Wilsc
Post Office and Mr. Lamm fc
an informative and interestin
tour.
ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARTI
On Friday night, March It
1984, Mrs. Brenda Medli
brought a group of youth an
adults from Tabernacle Baptif
Church of Zebulon to th
Children's Home for a "S
Patrick's Day Party." The pa:
ty was opened with a devotion!
thought, which was followed b
refreshments and a period d
fun and games. This is th.
second party that Tabernac!
has provided for our childre
within the past three month;
We appreciate the love and coi
cern that this group has share
with our children and youth.
COMING EVENTS
April — Entire Month Desi}
nated by the State Convei
tion as Home Missions an
Church Extension Month I
April 7 — Cape Fear Youth Coi
vention, 7:30 p.m.
April 7— Pee Dee District Au;
iliary
April 8 — Fifth Sunday in Lenti
April 9 — Central Ordainin
Council, 10 a.m., Greenville
First Church
April 9— Eastern Ordainin^
Council, 10 a.m.
April 11 — Cape Fear Woman
Auxiliary, Hopewell Church
(Continued on Page 19)
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS
tadowment of the Week
BLIZZARD ENDOWMENT
Reba Hill Blizzard
j Mrs. Reba Hill Blizzard of
.[inston has established a
cholarship endowment at
jlount Olive College in memory
jf her late husband, Perry Bliz-
ard (1895-1976).
j Income from the endowment
/ill be used to provide scholar-
ships for ministerial students
rnd the wives of ministers.
( The Blizzards were natives of
he Deep Run community in
jienoir County and both joined
"ree Will Baptist churches at
In early age. Perry, son of the
ate Henry and Mary Ann
Ihodes Blizzard, held member-
hip with Smith's New Home
Church, and Reba, daughter of
jhe late Johnny and Serena
tyndall Hill, is a member of the
Deep Run Church.
Although Perry and Reba
lever had children of their own,
hey were fond of children and
tlways had a deep interest in
'oung people. Reba, now
etired, taught in the public
schools of North Carolina for
brty-three years: three years
n Jones County and forty years
h Lenoir County. She also
aught Sunday school for many
'rears and served as treasurer
>f the Deep Run Woman's Aux-
liary.
!THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
Mount Olive College
Perry was a farmer, rural mail carrier, a merchant and served
in the Medical Division of the U.S. Army during World War I. He
was a member of the American Legion and the Ruritan Club.
In establishing the endowment, Reba declared, "Perry and I
have always had an interest in Christian education. We have been
friends of Mount Olive College through the years, and through this
endowment I want to both memorialize Perry and help spread the
gospel."
COLLEGE HALL SEATING PROJECT
Dr. W. Burkette Raper, President, explains the bleacher seat project to Mr. and
Mrs. Ervin Foreman of Pinetown, North Carolina. The Forcmans are members of
Shiloh Church and have been long-time supporters of the College. Two of their
daughters, Judy Foreman Hutton of Wingate and Faye Foreman Jones of
Wilkesboro, attended Mount Olive College.
Five chairs and two bleacher seats for College Hall were con-
tributed to Mount Olive College during the week of March 20-26. To
date 903 chairs ($50 each) and 320 bleacher seats ($100 each) have
been sponsored.
Summary of Gifts for Seats in College Hall
Contributed
Chairs
Bleacher Seats
Goal
800
1,200
Chairs: March 20-26
or Pledged Balance
903 103 over!
Donors
Sarecta Church, Kenansville
In Memory of Josephine S. Hudnell
By Marie Hudnell Magee, Aurora
In Memory of H. W. Hudnell
By Marie Hudnell Magee, Aurora
Iris Pittman, Kenly
Total
Bleachers: March 20-26
Donors
In Honor of the Rev. and Mrs. Robert Strickland
By Edgewood Adult Sunday School Class, Maccles-
field
Mr. Tommy Turner, Mount Olive
Maggie Little Circle of Sweet Gum Grove, Stokes
Total
(Turn the Page)
320
Number
of Chairs
2
1
Number of
Bleacher
Seats
l
2
880
Amount
$100
50
50
50
$250
Amount
$ 50
100
50
$200
11
COLLEGE HALL BLEACHER SEAT DONORS
October 1983 -February 1984
(The following gifts have
not been previously published. )
Donors Number of
Bleacher Seats
($100 each)
In Honor of Mrs. Doris D. Shaw 1
By Mr. Breedlove Shaw, Mount Olive
Mr. Jack Williams, Faison 1
Mrs. Betty Lou Williams, Faison 1
Mr. J. E. Joyner, Mount Olive 1
Penny Joyner, Mount Olive 1
Mr. Elwood Goodson Sr. , Mount Olive 1
Mrs. Katherine O. Goodson, Mount Olive 1
Mr. Elwood Goodson Jr . , Mount Olive 1
Mrs. Cherrie G. Kincaid, Mount Olive 1
Mrs. Kathy G. Cole, Mount Olive 1
In Memory of Robert R. Martin 1
By Mrs. Lorelle F. Martin, Mount Olive
Wachovia Bank and Trust Company of Mount Olive 1
In Memory of Aldo Costa 1
By Mr. and Mrs. Eugene J. Costa, Goldsboro
Miss Margaret Martin, Mount Olive 1
Mrs. Edna Scarborough, Mount Olive 1
In Honor of Mrs. Lucy B. Mooring 1
By Mr. Ottis Barrow, Goldsboro
H & C Enterprises, Mount Olive 1
The Drewry E. Moore Family, Mount Olive 1
Mr. W. M. Raynor, Mount Olive 1
Mount Olive Printing and Publishing Company 1
The R. C. Warren Family, Mount Olive 1
Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Oates, Mount Olive 1
Mr. Tinker Bell, Mount Olive 1
Mrs. Mildred Southerland Councill, Mount Olive 1
Mr. Charles B. Councill, Mount Olive 1
Mr. June Martin, Mount Olive 1
In Honor of Dr. M. M. Lownes Jr. 1
By Mrs. M. M. Lownes Jr., Mount Olive
Dr. Pepper Worthington, Kinston 1
In Memory of Robert F. Mooring 1
By Lucy, Bob and Charles Mooring, La Grange
In Memory of Passmore and Ada Barrow 1
By Mr. and Mrs. P. L. Barrow, Snow Hill
Mr. and Mrs. Roy Barrow, Wilson
Verdie Barrow Newbern, Powells Point
Mrs. Kay Houston, Mount Olive 1
In Honor of Mr. Dewey Houston 1
By Mrs. Kay Houston, Mount Olive
In Honor of Mrs. Rose Raper 1
By Dr. W. Burkette Raper, Mount Olive
Mr. and Mrs. Lonnie Rackley, Mount Olive 1
Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Anderson, Mount Olive 5
Anonymous 1 3
Miss Lizzie S. Britt, Turkey 1
Mr. Mickey McClenny, Goldsboro 1
Mr. Elwood Wiggins, Mount Olive 1
In Memory of Delia Hughes Lane 1
By Mr. William D. Lane, Faison
In Memory of Eva H. Moore 1
By Mr. and Mrs. Claude H. Moore, Turkey
Kraft's Studio, Inc. , Mount Olive 1
MasterKraf t Photo Lab , Mount Olive 1
Mount Olive Police Officers Betterment Association 2
Mrs. June Martin, Mount Olive 1
In Memory of Ray Scarborough 1
By Mrs. Edna Scarborough, Mount Olive
In Memory of Jim and Carrie Herring 1
By Mrs. Lynn H. Joyner, Mount Olive
In Memory of Inez L. Dail 1
By Blanche and Ralph N. Dail, Mount Olive
Mrs. Mary H. Borgognoni, Mount Olive 1
12
E.J. Pope and Son, Inc., Mount Olive
Garner Brothers, Inc. , Mount Olive
In Memory of Essie Lee and Curtis Owens
By Dr. Hilda F. Owens, Columbia, SC
In Honor of Faculty and Staff of Mount Olive College
By Dr. Hilda F. Owens, Columbia, SC
In Honor of A. Worth Aycock /
By Mrs. Rose F. Chamlee, Goldsboro
In Honor of Margaret F. Aycock
By Mrs. Rose F. Chamlee, Goldsboro
Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Yates, Goldsboro
Mr. and Mrs. William H. Bryan, Mount Olive
In Memory of Ben R. Boyette Sr.
By Mr. and Mrs. Harold L. Coltrane, children, and
grandchildren of Ben R. Boyette Sr., Goldsboro
In Honor of Judy Jackson
By Mr. Woodard Jackson, Dudley
In Honor of Woodard Jackson
By Mrs. Judy Jackson, Dudley
Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Summerlin, Mount Olive
Anonymous 2
Ray and Chris Amon, Mount Olive
Mr. Cletus Brock, Mount Olive
Mrs. Sadie Brock, Mount Olive
In Memory of Mrs. Catherine Vinson
By Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Vinson, Mount Olive
In Memory of Mr. W. T. Elks
By Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Vinson, Mount Olive
In Memory of Mr. Sam H. Hocutt Sr.
By Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Vinson, Mount Olive
In Memory of Mr. James Vinson
By Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Vinson, Mount Olive
In Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Vinson
By Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Vinson, Mount Olive
In Honor of Jack Jr., Cynthia, Terrie and Jennifer Smith
By Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Vinson, Mount Olive
In Honor of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Williamson
By Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Vinson, Mount Olive
In Honor of Ann W. Beasley
By Mr. George G. Beasley, Goldsboro
Mr. George G. Beasley, Goldsboro
Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Knowles, Mount Olive
In Memory of Dr. J. W. Wilkins
By Mrs. Eva J. Wilkins, Mount Olive
Mount Olive Copy and Print, Mount Olive
Mr. Charlie McClenny, Mount Olive
Mrs. Sue McClenny, Mount Olive
In Memory of Harvey Campbell and Mary Benbow
McPhail
By Mary E. McPhail, Greensboro
Mr. Bill Jones, Mount Olive
Southern Belle Motel, Mount Olive
Mr. Bryce H. Ficken, Mount Olive
Mr. J. W. Rackley, Mount Olive
In Memory of Jack Barfield and Jack Barfield Jr.
By Mrs. Jack Barfield, Mount Olive
In Memory of Hettie E. Flowers
By Mr. and Mrs. Johnnie Baker, Wrightsville Beach
In Memory of Mossett L. Flowers
By Mr. and Mrs. Johnnie Baker, Wrightsville Beach
In Honor of Shelton Neal Price
By Mr. and Mrs. Shelton Price
In Honor of Jennifer Rose Price
By Mr. and Mrs. Shelton Price
Mr. B. E. Bryan, Calypso
In Memory of Birdie Hoffman Phillips
By Dr. E. Lee Glover, Everett, PA
Mr. and Mrs. Archie B. Bass, Mount Olive
In Memory of James Hugh Draughon Sr.
By Anonymous 3
Dr. William A. Potts, Mount Olive
Mrs. Ann F. Potts, Mount Olive
In Honor of English Adams
By Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy L. Adams, Mount Olive
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS
Ii [onor of Jim Adams
By Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy L. Adams, Mount Olive
I. lemory of D. O. Thompson
By Mr. and Mrs. James G. Francis, Mount Olive
Ii lemory of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Francis
<By Mr. and Mrs. James G. Francis, Mount Olive
j/tonor of William S. Wilkins Sr.
By Mrs. William S. Wilkins and Family, Mount Olive
Ir lemory of Nan Gamer
By the Honorable and Mrs. Charlie Whitley and
I Family, Mount Olive
Irjlonor of Lorelle F. Martin
^By Mrs. Marguerite F. Royster, Garner
Ir lemory of R. R. Hines
By Mrs. R. R. Hines, Mount Olive
[r lemory of Willis B. Honeycutt
By Mrs. Louise S. Honeycutt, Mount Olive
foylemory of Boyce Honeycutt
By Mrs. Louise S. Honeycutt, Mount Olive
Vs. Starkey Moore Cherry, Mount Olive
Ptard and Perry, Incorporated, Goldsboro
IiMemory of John Manuel Bevell
By Mr. and Mrs. Gary Bevell, Goldsboro
Amymous 4
Ii Memory of G. Robert Johnson
By Mr. George A. Johnson, Goldsboro
IiMemory of Rachel C. Johnson
| By Mr. George A. Johnson, Goldsboro
Ti Exchange Club of Mount Olive, Mount Olive
L Memory of Brunetta Outlaw Dowling
! By Mr. and Mrs. Beverly Whitfield, Mount Olive
IHonor of Mr. and Mrs. Major Lanier Jr.
] By Mr. and Mrs. James Wheeler Jr., Long Beach
I rlonor of Tracy Leigh Brandle
By Mr. Edwin G. Brandle, Raleigh
I Memory of Headley Morris Cox
By Mrs. M. C. Gage, Wilmington
I Memory of Frank English Cox
1 By Mrs. M. T. Murray, Wilmington
I Honor of Mrs. Betty H. Wilkins
By Mr. William S. Wilkins Sr., Mount Olive
1. William S. Wilkins Jr., Mount Olive
ft. John William Wilkins II, Mount Olive
I Honor of The Mount Olive Rescue Service
I By the Mount Olive Rescue Ladies' Auxiliary
I Honor of L. Graham Creech
By Mrs. Verla P. Creech, Newton Grove
1 Memory of Bettie M. Dail
By Blanche and Ralph Dail, Mount Olive
] Honor of Mary Edythe McPhail
By Nephews and Nieces of Mary Edythe McPhail,
Mount Olive
liHonor of Eddice and Martha McPhail King
By Mary Benbow McPhail Memorial Fund,
Greensboro
rs. Margaret K. Southerland, Mount Olive
Jr. Council Southerland, Mount Olive
'sunt Olive Extension Homemakers, Mount Olive
: Memory of Mr. Barnie R. Raper
By Mrs. Hazel R. Odom, Mount Olive
list Used Cars, Inc., Mount Olive
. britton's Jewelry Store, Mount Olive
"and H Amoco Service Station
Honor of Jeff Wilson Thigpen
; By Mr. Clarence G. Wilson, Mount Olive
r. Clarence G. Wilson, Mount Olive
Memory of Mary Pate House
By Mr. C. C. Lane, Calypso
Honor of R. Glenn Hooks
By Mrs. R. Glenn Hooks, Fremont
Memory of W. A. "Punk" Wooten
By Mr. and Mrs. R. Glenn Hooks, Fremont
inrise Kiwanis Club, Goldsboro
In Honor of Mr. Nate Reynolds 1
By Mrs. Lyon S. Reynolds, Goldsboro
In Memory of Raymond E. and Mary G. Hart 1
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hill, Hookerton
Mr. A. N. Martin, Mount Olive 1
Mrs. Ann Martin, Mount Olive 1
In Memory of Mrs. Sophia H. Potts 1
By Miss Lena May Sutton, Faison
In Memory of Nancy Rowe Overman 1
By Mr. and Mrs. Iwin Rowe, Pikeville
Mrs. Ruby G.Grady, Mount Olive 1
Mr. Stephen Lee Raper, Goldsboro 1
Mrs. Caroline Beasley Raper, Goldsboro 1
In Honor of Elmaand J. T. Beddard Jr. 1
By Mr. Wesley E. Beddard, Mount Olive
In Honor of Elizabeth Johnson 1
By Dr. J. Thomas Johnson, Mount Olive
In Honor of Nathan Johnson 1
By Dr. J. Thomas Johnson, Mount Olive
In Honor of Matthew Johnson 1
By Dr. J. Thomas Johnson, Mount Olive
In Honor of Robert Johnson 1
By Dr. J. Thomas Johnson, Mount Olive
Mrs. Parmalee P. Garrity, Mount Olive 1
Mr. M. Henry Garrity, Mount Olive 1
Mr. and Mrs. Theron Garner, Mount Olive 1
In Honor of Thesia Garner 1
By Mr. and Mrs. Theron Garner, Mount Olive
In Honor of Phyllis Garner Sloan 1
By Mr. and Mrs. Theron Garner, Mount Olive
In Honor of Doug Sloan 1
By Mr. and Mrs. Theron Garner, Mount Olive
In Honor of Felcia and Adam Sloan 1
By Mr. and Mrs. Theron Garner, Mount Olive
Mr. Doug West, Raleigh 1
In Memory of Wiley Carson Dilda 1
By Mr. Kenneth Dilda, Mount Olive
Mrs. Joyce T. Andrews, Faison 1
Mr. James E. Andrews, Faison 1
The Student Government Association of Mount Olive
College, 1983-84 4
In Honor of the Women's Dorm Council, 1983-84 3
By The Student Government Association of Mount
Olive College, 1983-84
In Honor of the Men's Dorm Council, 1983-84 3
By The Student Government Association of Mount
Olive College, 1983-84
Mr. Eddie Thomdyke, Mount Olive
Mr. Richard Blackwelder, Mount Olive
Mrs. Beverly S. Blackwelder, Mount Olive
Frank and Vivian Harrison, Mount Olive
In Honor of Mrs. Russell Brock
By Mr. and Mrs. Brad Brock and Family,
Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Grady and Family,
Mr. and Mrs. Greg Morgan, Mount Olive
In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. Russell Brock
By Mr. and Mrs. Brad Brock and Family,
Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Grady and Family,
Mr. and Mrs. Greg Morgan, Mount Olive
In Honor of Coaches Bob McEvoy, Larry Dean and
Almond Warrick
By Mr. Gary Fenton Barefoot, Mount Olive
In Honor of Michael S. McEvoy
By Mr. Bob McEvoy, Mount Olive
In Honor of Dr. and Mrs. R. H. Shackelford
By Dr. Hervy Kornegay Sr., Calypso
In Honor of Dr. and Mrs. Robert S. Meyer
By Dr. Hervy Kornegay Sr., Calypso
In Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Ray Brogden
By Dr. Hervy Kornegay Sr. , Calypso
In Honor of Dr. and Mrs. James R. Lambert
By Dr. Hervy Kornegay Sr. , Calypso
(Turn the Page)
HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
13
In Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Harrell
By Dr. Hervy Kornegay Sr., Calypso
In Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Neil Mallory
By Dr. Hervy Kornegay Sr., Calypso
In Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel E. Taylor
By Dr. Hervy Kornegay Sr., Calypso
In Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Herring
By Dr. Hervy Kornegay Sr., Calypso
In Honor of Mrs. Edwina Sutton Kornegay
By Dr. Hervy Kornegay Sr., Calypso
In Honor of Hervy B. Kornegay Jr.
By Dr. Hervy Kornegay Sr., Calypso
In Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Delano Hill
By Dr. Hervy Kornegay Sr., Calypso
In Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Sutton
By Dr. Hervy Kornegay Sr., Calypso
In Honor of Miss Carolyn Anne Kornegay
By Dr. Hervy Kornegay Sr., Calypso
Dr. Hervy Kornegay Sr., Calypso
In Honor of Mrs. Hervy B. Kornegay Sr.
By Dr. Hervy Kornegay Sr., Calypso
In Honor of Kimberly Dawn Rivenbark
By Mr. and Mrs. Billy Rivenbark, Mount Olive
In Memory of Mark Rivenbark
By Mr. and Mrs. Billy Rivenbark, Mount Olive
Mr. and Mrs. Billy Rivenbark, Mount Olive
Mrs. Mary G. Smith, Goldsboro
Mr. Larry S. Dean, Mount Olive
In Honor of Jeffrey Stuart Lassiter
By Dr. and Mrs. W. Burkette Raper, Mount Olive
In Honor of Suzanne Elizabeth Bailey
By Dr. and Mrs. W. Burkette Raper, Mount Olive
In Honor of Justin Maehue Bailey
By Dr. and Mrs. W. Burkette Raper, Mount Olive
In Honor of Matthew Bradley Hood
By Dr. and Mrs. W. Burkette Raper, Mount Olive
In Honor of Bobby G. and Jo Ann S. Darden
By Mr. and Mrs. Delano Hill, Mount Olive
Kappa Chi Members of Mount Olive College, 1983-84
Mr. James M. Britt, Mount Olive
In Honor of Jan H. Jones
By Mr. Harold R. Jones, Goldsboro
Mr. Harold R. Jones, Goldsboro
In Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Wood
By Miss Pamela R. Wood
In Honor of Ricky J. Jones
By Mr. James E. Jones, Mount Olive
In Honor of Joyce W. Jones
By Mr. James E. Jones, Mount Olive
Mr. James E. Jones, Mount Olive
Mr. and Mrs. James E. Jones and Family, Mount Olive
In Memory of Jack Lister
By Mr. Harvey W. Reinhardt, Mount Olive
In Memory of Joseph S. Reinhardt
By Mr. Harvey W. Reinhardt, Mount Olive
Catharine and Harvey Reinhardt, Mount Olive
In Memory of King Solomon Pigford
By Miss Linda Pigford, Mount Olive
In Honor of Mrs. Leslie Earl Coker
In Memory of Mr. Leslie Earl Coker
By Mr. Don E. Hargrove, Calypso
Mr. Harry Ellsworth Sutton Sr., Mount Olive
Lorraine Westbrook Sutton, Mount Olive
In Honor of Harry and Dixie Sutton
By Mr. and Mrs. Harry Ellsworth Sutton Sr.,
Mount Olive
In Honor of Johnny Michael Sutton
By Mr. and Mrs. Harry Ellsworth Sutton Sr.,
Mount Olive
In Honor of Mike, Cathy and Nicole Hardy
By Mr. and Mrs. Harry Ellsworth Sutton Sr.,
Mount Olive
In Memory of Alvin and Carl Barrow
1 By Mrs. Lucy B. Mooring, La Grange
In Honor of Earl and Ottis Barrow
1 By Mrs. Lucy B. Mooring, La Grange
In Honor of Roy and P. L. Barrow Jr.
1 By Mrs. Lucy B. Mooring, La Grange 1
In Honor of Trey and Tyler Mooring ,
1 By Mrs. Lucy B. Mooring, La Grange
In Honor of Austin and Kristin Mooring
1 By Mrs. Lucy B. Mooring, La Grange
In Honor of Verdie Newbern
1 By Mrs. Lucy B. Mooring, La Grange
Mr. Rex Moody, Mount Olive
1 Mrs. Ellen Moody, Mount Olive
In Honor of David Whitfield
1 By Mr. and Mrs. Donnell Whitfield, Mount Olive
Mr. Barton W. Baldwin, Mount Olive
1 In Honor of Brenda S. Baldwin
By Mr. Barton W. Baldwin, Mount Olive
1 In Honor of Frances Nicole Baldwin
1 By Mr. Barton W. Baldwin, Mount Olive
In Honor of William Whitfield Baldwin II
1 By Mr. Barton W. Baldwin, Mount Olive
WFMC Radio Station, Goldsboro
1 Mr. Joseph Ray Mooring Jr. , Mount Olive
In Honor of Alma Davis Mooring
1 By Mr. Joseph Ray Mooring Jr. , Mount Olive
1 In Honor of Sean Mooring
1 By Mr. Joseph Ray Mooring Jr., Mount Olive
1 In Honor of Judy Mooring
By Mr. Joseph Ray Mooring Jr., Mount Olive
1 In Honor of Millicent Paige Mooring
By Mr. Joseph Ray Mooring Jr., Mount Olive
1 Team Sports, Goldsboro
In Memory of Vernon S. Tanner
1 By the Willis Brown Jr. Family, Mount Olive
In Memory of Dr. Willis A. Brown Sr.
1 By the Willis Brown Jr. Family, Mount Olive
In Memory of Patricia Neal Walker
1 By the Willis Brown Jr. Family, Mount Olive
1 In Honor of Chris Brown
1 By the Willis Brown Jr. Family, Mount Olive
In Honor of Mark Brown
1 By the Willis Brown Jr. Family, Mount Olive
1 Mr. W. Carroll Turner, Mount Olive
In Memory of Donald Wayne Stallings
1 By Mr. and Mrs. James Vernon and Family, Mount
Olive
1 In Honor of Gregory E . Faircloth
By Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Faircloth Jr., Clemmons
1 Mr. Rodney Ramsey, Newark, NJ
2 In Memory of Nathaniel S. Stokes
1 By Mrs. Ida Stokes, New Bern
In Honor of their Children: Danny Smith, Robyn Smith
1 and Corbett Cummings
By Mr. and Mrs. Haywood Cummings, Mount Olive
1 Mrs. Evelyn J. Johnson, Tarboro
1 Mrs. Jo Johnson, Mount Olive
Mrs. Christine Jones, Mount Olive
1 Mr. Ed Howell, Mount Olive
1 In Honor of Mr. Eddie Goodman
By Brad and Kaye Brock, Mount Olive
1 In Honor of Mrs. Pauline Goodman
1 By Brad and Kaye Brock, Mount Olive
1 In Memory of Phillip W. Pigford
By Miss Linda P. Pigford, Mount Olive
Kiwanis Club of Mount Olive, Mount Olive
1 Edith and Tony Gurganus, Mount Olive
Mr. Sherwood Jernigan, Mount Olive
Miss Jan Pittman, Class of 1981, Raleigh
1 In Honor of Susan Renee Bryan
By Mrs. Janet Bryan, Dudley
1
14
THE FREE WILL BAPTI!
MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE
SPRING VISITATION DAY
FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AND THEIR PARENTS
Saturday, April 14, 1984
REGISTRATION: 9:45 a.m., COLLEGE HALL
» CAMPUS TOURS
i SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS
Admissions, Financial Aid, Student Life, and
Other Topics
» ENTERTAINMENT
Mount Olive College Singers
New Creations
Mount Olive College Concert Choir
PICNIC LUNCH
SCHOLARSHIP INTERVIEWS
INDrvroUAL CONFERENCES WITH
FACULTY MEMBERS
SPECIAL CONFERENCES FOR COMMUN-
ITY JUNIOR COLLEGE TRANSFER STU-
DENTS
The Town of Mount Olive has planned its annual
Festival of Flowers for Saturday, April 14.
We invite you to participate in the activities throughout the afternoon.
PLEASE RETURN
THIS FORM
BY APRIL 10
PLEASE DETACH AND MADL
□ YES, LOOK FOR ME APRIL 14
□ I WILL BE UNABLE TO ATTEND.
PLEASE SEND ADDITIONAL INFORMA-
TION.
I plan to bring,
guests.
Name
City_
Address
State
Zip
Telephone ( )
School
Career Interest
Year of Graduation
Please arrange a conference with:
□ Financial Aid Officer □ Faculty Member in the field of
□ Admissions Personnel
□ Scholarship Committee
□ Mount Olive Singers (Audition)
□ Other
|HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
15
Family Devotions
SUNDAY,
APRIL
8
Scripture Reading— 1 Samuel 22-24
HE SAID HE WOULD
At a certain church a boy of ten years of age
was examined for membership. After he had
spoken of his sense of guilt, came the question,
"What did you do when you felt yourself so great
a sinner? ' ' and the eyes of the boy brightened as
he answered, "I just went to Jesus and told Him
how sinful I was, and how sorry I was, and asked
Him to forgive me." "And do you hope at times
that Jesus heard you and forgave your sins?" "I
don't only hope so, sir, I know He did." The
oldest of them raised his glasses and peered into
the face of the little candidate, and said, "You
say you 'know' that Jesus forgave your sin?"
"Yes, sir," was the prompt answer. "You mean,
my son, that you hope Jesus has pardoned your
sins." "I hope He has, and I know it, too," said
the boy, with a bright smile on his manly face.
"How do you know it, my son?" Every eye was
intent on the little respondent. "He said He
would," said the boy, with a look of astonish-
ment, as if amazed that anyone should doubt it.
/ know not what the future hath
Of marvel or surprise,
Assured alone that life and death
His mercy underlies.
MONDAY,
APRIL
9
Scripture Reading— 1 Samuel 25-27
FEELING OR BELIEVING?
Someone asked Luther, "Do you feel that you
have been forgiven?"
He answered, "No! but I'm as sure as there's a
God in Heaven.
"For feelings come and feelings go, and feelings
are deceiving;
My warrant is the Word of God, nought else is
worth believing.
Though all my heart should feel condemned for
want of some sweet token,
There is One greater than my heart whose word
cannot be broken.
I'll trust in God's unchanging Word till soul and
body sever;
For though all things shall pass away His Word
shall stand forever."
/ know not where His islands lift
Their fronded palms in air;
I only know I cannot drift
Beyond His love and care.
TUESDAY,
APRIL
10
Scripture Reading— 1 Samuel 28-31
I KNOW I HAVE
They had been talking with Dr. W. I
Griffith-Thomas night after night, endeavorir
to win him, then a young doctor, for Chrisj
Nothing they said seemed to cut through tt
mental fog that blocked the way to a clesj
understanding of salvation. Finally realizir
that the young man's difficulty was his own i]
ability to "feel" saved, Mr. Poole took a cot
and handing it to Dr. Griffith-Thomas asked hii
to put it in his vest-pocket.
"Do you feel you've got it?" Mr. Poo!|
asked.
"No," replied the young doctor, "I know
have."
"So," Mr. Poole rejoined, "we know we ha\,
Christ when we accept Him and believe H,
Word, without feeling it."
Dr. Griffith-Thomas testified later, "When,
awoke the next morning my soul was overfloy
ing with joy, and since then I have never doubte
that it was on that Saturday night I was 'boij
again'— converted to God."
To be assured of our salvation is no arrogai
stoutness. It is faith. It is devotion. It is ru
presumption. It is God's promise.
WEDNESDAY,
APRIL
11
Scripture Reading— 2 Samuel 1, 2
"THOU REMAINEST!"
When winter reigns, and flowers are dead,
And song birds with their songs have fled;
When trees are etched on leaden skies,
And poverty in anguish cries,
And funeral trains go o'er the snow,
O God, how good it is to know—
That Thou remainest!
When man his courage would reveal,
When he would build his towers of steel
And granite blocks to pierce the sky,
And would the hand of time defy;
While here is strength, yet he doth know
That these as well some day must go;
For ruins fill the ancient world,
And to the depth man's pride is hurled
But Thou remainest!
Why should I grieve and be afraid
When in the grave my hopes are laid?
Well do I know that death must be
16
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS
Unless my Lord shall come for me ;
Therefore, build I my life on Thee,
Foundation of eternity—
For Thou remainest!
Luther's reply was simple. "Where I
now. In the hands of Almighty God."
am
/ believe the promises of God enough to ven-
re an eternity on them.
HURSDAY,
PRIL
12
Sjripture Reading -2 Samuel 3-5
SURE OF HIS SALVATION
It is a long time since Herodotus described
L little folk of distant Central Africa, but the
jtepel has at last reached them. Miss Bell of the
irica Inland Mission describes one to whom she
Id often preached, asking him if he had at last
taeived the words of God. "Yes, we have," he
uswered. "Every night we meet for prayer. We
jhg, 'Jesus Loves Me' and 'What Can Wash
.Way My Sins?' and then call on God to protect
I in the night." Miss Bell then inquired if he
<ere sure that, on death, he would go to Heaven.
'ie Pygmy stood at attention, hand at salute,
iU said, "When I die I will go to God's village. I
<pi salute, and say, 'Greetings, God. I am come
I my house in Your village.' And when He asks
le what permission I have to enter, I will tell
jlm that His Son Jesus Christ died for me and
ashed my heart clean in His blood. Then He will
II me, 'Enter; your house is waiting for you.' "
Iss Bell's comment: "He was perfectly sure
jout his salvation— and so am I! "
"J go to my everlasting rest. My sun has
sen, shone, and is setting — nay, it is about to
se and shine forever. I have not lived in vain,
nd though I could live to preach Christ a thou-
ind years, I die to be with Him, which is far bet-
T.
TODAY,
lPRIL
13
ripture Reading— 2 Samuel 6-9
SAFE HIDING
When Martin Luther was in the throes of the
eformation and the Pope was trying to bring
im back to the Catholic church, he sent a car-
inal to deal with Luther and buy him with gold.
The cardinal wrote to the Pope, "The fool
oes not love gold." The cardinal, when he could
Dt convince Luther, said to him, "What do you
link the Pope cares for the opinions of a Ger-
lan boer? The Pope's little finger is stronger
lan all Germany. Do you expect your princes to
ike up arms to defend you— you, a wretched
orm like you? I tell you no. And where will you
je then?"
HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
Whichever way the wind doth blow,
Some soul is glad to have it so;
Then blow it east, or blow it west,
The wind that blows, that wind is best.
SATURDAY,
APRIL
14
Scripture Reading— 2 Samuel 10-12
HE CANNOT DENY HIMSELF
Spurgeon used to tell the story of an illiterate
old woman who was a humble follower of the
Lamb. A skeptical neighbor loved to poke fun at
her, especially at the assurance she displayed
regarding her own salvation. "How do you know
that?" he asked. "God tells me so a hundred
times," she answered, and then she quoted one
promise after another, especially from John's
first Letter, the Epistle of Christian assurance,
where the phrase, "We know," is used fourteen
times in five short chapters. The question was
then shot at her, "Suppose God doesn't keep His
Word?" Quickly she answered: "His loss would
be greater than mine. I would lose my soul. He
would lose His honor." She was right.
Oh, we have a great God, a wonderful God!
He cannot deny Himself.
Portions selected from Knight's Master Book of New Il-
lustrations, Walter B. Knight.
HE LEADETH ME
In pastures green? Not always; sometimes He
Who knoweth best in kindness leadeth me
In weary ways, where heavy shadows be,
Out of the sunshine, warm and soft and bright,
Out of the sunshine into darkest night ;
I oft would faint with sorrow and affright
Only for this— I know He holds my hand,
So whether in a green or desert land
I trust, although I may not understand.
And by still waters? No, not always so;
Ofttimes the heavy tempests round me blow,
And o'er my soul the waves and billows go,
But when the storm beats loudest, and I cry
Aloud for help, the Master standeth by
And whispers to my soul: "Lo! it is I."
Above the tempest wild I hear Him say :
"Beyond this darkness lies the perfect day;
In every path of thine I lead the way."
So whether on the hilltop high and fair
I dwell, or in the sunless valley where
The shadows lie— what matters? He is there.
And more than this; where'er the pathway lead,
He gives to me no helpless, broken reed.
But His own hand sufficient for my need.
So where He leadeth I can safely go;
And in the blest hereafter I shall know
Why, in His wisdom, He hath led me so.
— L. Fitzgerald
17
Sunday School Lessorf
For April 8
CONFRONTATION IN
JERUSALEM
Lesson Text: Mark 11:8-10,
15-19, 27-33
Memory Verse : Mark 12 : 10
President Harry S. Truman,
who carried the scars and
callouses of Missouri's rough-
and-tumble politics, used to
say, "If you can't stand the
heat, stay out of the kitchen! "
Some folk still remember the
sweltering heat of old-
fashioned farm kitchens when
wood-burning stoves were fired
up to cook and can tomatoes in
midsummer without benefit of
air conditioning. It was no
place for one with a delicate
constitution. Neither was Mr.
Truman's political arena, with
its lusty combat.
Some people thrive on the
heat of controversy. Others
abhor it, and will excuse
themselves from the "kitchen"
at the first sign of warm
disagreement. They "just don't
talk politics or religion."
How did religion get into this
discussion? By its very nature !
You can't keep it out, for
religion is the human ex-
perience of the ages-long con-
frontation between God and the
devil. And the devil infiltrates
the field of religion at all levels,
using to his own advantage the
procedures that were designed
to serve God.
That is the condition into
which Jesus came. His identity
with God brought Him into con-
flict not only with the demons
He found controlling certain
social outcasts, but also with
the Satanic spirit He found
dominating certain "men of
God." The heat of controversy
surrounded Him as long as He
was on earth. He was rejected
by the nation's leaders, was
threatened, and suffered pain
and finally death. However,
God raised Him from the dead
to continue the warfare until
Satan is at last destroyed.
Followers of Christ cannot
expect to be wholly exempt
from the controversy that so
thoroughly involved Him. He
said, in fact, "I came not to
send peace, but a sword. For I
am come to set a man at
variance against his father ....
And a man's foes shall be they
of his own household" (Mat-
thew 10:34-36). Belligerence or
quarrelsomeness is, of course,
no part of the Christian
character, as it was no part of
Christ's character. Neither,
however, is it that passive sub-
missiveness or timid silence
that seems to condone every
wickedness in order to avoid
confrontation.
The overheated "kitchen" of
controversy can be most un-
comfortable. Sensitive souls
are genuinely hurt by it. Jesus
was. The injury He suffered in
fervent confrontation became a
part of the self-sacrifice
through which He purchased
our salvation. Our comradeship
with Him in necessary conflict
becomes an important part of
our life in Christ. He who loves
a fight will receive no honors
for indulging his hobby ; but the
lover of peace will find a
special closeness to the Prince
of Peace through the endurance
of warfare with and for Him.
Crowded and eventful days
concluded the earthly ministry
of Jesus. He approached
Jerusalem through Jericho,
where He healed two men of
blindness (Matthew 20:29-34).
There also He found and
brought salvation to Zaccheus,
the tax collector (Luke 19:1-10).
Six days before the Passover
Jesus arrived in Bethany and
attended a dinner as the guest
of Lazarus and his sisters. It
was this Lazarus whom Jesus
had raised from the dead. One
of the sisters, Mary, anointed
Him lavishly, and He said it
was in preparation for His
burial (John 12:1-7).
When Jesus enter |
Jerusalem on the first day!
the week, He did so in a manul
that clearly fulfilled the Mtl
sianic prophecy of Zecharil
9:9: "Rejoice greatly, I
daughter of Zion; shout, L
daughter of Jerusalem : beho
thy King cometh unto thee: |
is just, and having salvatiol
lowly, and riding upon an aid
and upon a colt the foal of 1
ass." Until this time Jesus h;|i
been careful not to declare t j
messiahship publicly
Galilee, where nationalist!
zeal ran high and a spirit J
revolution seethed againa
Rome. Now, followed by ^
throng of Galileans going
Jerusalem for the Passover, I*
showed Himself as their e
pected Messiah. In rece;
months also He had avoidd
any public appearance ]
Jerusalem, so as not to stir u
the bitter enmity of the temp;
officers. Now He prepared i
enter the city at the center of,,
rejoicing throng. It was tiny
for Jesus to declare Himse,
and that He did, dramatically
At the conclusion of eveii
meaningful debate, someoit
decides the issue between tijl
contestants. In court, it is jud§>
or jury. In politics, it is til
citizen at the polls. Every cas
should be decided on its merit
Because of prejudice or specii
interest it is not always so. ^
In the issue between Jesi
and the Council, what was tt?
result? Each person or part
responded in his, or its, ow
way. In the Sanhedrin til
result was a hardening of ii
position, leading to the Croa
and fulfillment of God's pla
for man's redemption. With tt
crowds in Jerusalem the resu
was admiration for Jesus, gij
ing way to abandonment in H|
final hours, but providir
grounds for the conversion <!
many on the Day of Penteca;
and afterward. — Standard Le
son Commentary
18
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS
I j CHRISTIAN NURTURER
f! (Continued from Page 8)
;lisure them that they have
ftique contributions that the
iVurch needs. Show them that
believe in them and have
(nfidence in them. One of the
iost powerful motivating
frees is the knowledge that
(tiers believe in us and need
iThird, present the challenge
tj teaching. Tell them that it
jjll demand the very best they
mi give, that it requires time,
4ergy, and prayer. Never say,
't)h, it will not take much of
4ur time!" Besides not being
tue, this conveys the attitude
tward teaching that it is a
t|3ublesome chore rather than
{ sacred privilege to serve
lirist and His church. Why
fould teachers feel enthused
stout or committed to teaching
i'it is such an insignificant job
l'at it will make no demands on
lJem? Teachers will be more
ilotivated if demands are
j'ade on them, if they are
ijiallenged, and if they know
1|at teaching is a vital ministry
,(hich deserves their very best.
jlf you wish to learn more
ibout how to enlist teachers,
lie the list of books in the last
»ifticle. Several of them deal
pensively with this subject.
, NEWS AND NOTES
(Continued from Page 5)
eneral Conference to Meet
IjThe General Conference of
Original Free Will Baptists is
jcpecting to have a great con-
ifrence this year at Tee's
iiapel Church, near Smith-
:feld, beginning on Monday
r|ght, June 18, 1984, with the
|outh Night where teams will
ife participating in the Bible
jowl. If your church has a Bi-
le Bowl team competing in the
itate Youth Convention that
|)nies in first, second or third
lace, we encourage you to
(low them to compete in the
general Conference. Awards
ill be given to the winners.
Hfil FREE WILL BAPTIST
Tuesday morning, June 19,
1984, the Ladies Auxiliary of the
General Conference will have a
very inspirational service,
composed of singing, preach-
ing, testimonies and a short
business session.
On Tuesday night, the
General Conference will open.
The service will feature the
Woodall Singers from Tee's
Chapel, and Wayne Hargrove
and Kenny Barnes from
Bladenboro to share with us a
message in song. After the sing-
ing we will hear a message by
the Rev. Floyd Cherry.
On Wednesday, June 20, 1984,
the conference will continue.
There will be a short business
session, singing by the Rev.
Bruce Jones and his wife, Judy.
The speaker to bring God's
Word will be the Rev. Floyd
Cherry.
You will be receiving by mail
report blanks and other infor-
mation. We desire your prayers
as we endeavor to promote the
Kingdom of God through the
General Conference of Original
Free Will Baptists.
Steve Hargrove,
President of the General Conference
NEW ADDRESS
The Rev. Harry A. Jones has
a new address. It is Route 2,
Box 160, Vanceboro, North
Carolina 28586; phone, 244-1511.
He is pastor of Juniper Chapel
Church in the Eastern Con-
ference.
MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE
(Continued from Page 14)
DATES TO REMEMBER
April 10
Spring Concert, College
Auditorium, 7:30 p.m., Mount
Olive College Concert Choir,
free to the public. Professor
Carolyn Knox, director.
April 14
Spring Visitation Day (High
School Students and Parents),
College Hall, 9:45 a.m.
registration, entertainment,
campus tours, group discus-
sions, picnic, appointments and
scholarship interviews. Dianne
B. Riley, admissions director.
NEW CREATIONS'
REMAINING SPRING
SCHEDULE
April 8
Heritage Church, Charlotte,
North Carolina, 11 a.m.
April 15
Trinity Church, Beaufort Coun-
ty, 11 a.m.
La Grange Church, Lenoir
County, 7 p.m.
COMING EVENTS
April 12 — Albemarle Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, 10
a.m., Shiloh Church
April 12 — Western Ordaining
Council, 10 a.m., Unity
Church
April 12, 13 — Evangelism Con-
ference
April lk— High School Student
Visitation Day, Mount Olive
College, 9:45 a.m.
April lk — Western District Aux-
iliary, Mount Zion (Nash)
April 15 — Palm Sunday
April 19 — Maundy Thursday
April 19 — Board of Superan-
nuation meets, 2 p.m., head-
quarters
April 20 — Good Friday
April 22 — Easter
April 23— The Free Will Baptist
Press and Bookstores closed
April 23 — Cape Fear Ordaining
Council, 1:30 p.m.
YOU'LL BE GLAD
YOU DID!
19
JOIN THE CROWD-
BECOME EFFECTIVE!
20
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS
Baptist
Cf.
-
The Free Will Baptist
CONTENTS
Editorial 2
Feature 3
Weekly Features
News and Notes 7
Foreign Missions 8
Retirement Homes 9
Home Missions 10
Mount Olive College 12
Children's Home 14
Cragmont 15
Family Devotions 16
Sunday School Lesson 18
Is It Too Soon to Celebrate ? 4
A Palm Sunday Prayer of Invocation 6
Volume 99 Number 14
April 11, 1984
Janie Jones Sowers
Editor
Edited and published forty-eight times a year by
the Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811
North Lee Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513-0158.
Second-class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina
(USPS 209-440).
All materials to be placed in any issue must be in
the hands of the editor seven days prior to the
publication date of that issue.
The purpose of this paper is to promote the cause of
Christ among Original Free Will Baptists, and we
reserve the right to refuse any article or news that is
inconsistent with our purpose, programs, or policies,
and that does not reflect a spirit of harmony and
cooperation with the Free Will Baptist Press Foun-
dation and the North Carolina State Convention of
Original Free Will Baptists.
The contents herein do not necessarily reflect the
beliefs or policies of the editor or of The Free Will
Baptist. The responsibility for each article is given
the person whose name appears under the title or to
the person submitting said article.
Items for publication should be addressed to the
Editor. The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box 158, Ayden,
North Carolina 28513-0158.
All subscriptions are payable in advance: one
year. $8.84; two years, $16.12; four years, $31.20 (in-
cluding sales tax for North Carolina residents I;
residents of other states, $8.50, $15.50 and $30 respec-
tively (plus sales tax where it applies).
Every-Family Plan: A 25 percent discount given
when local churches send the "Baptist" to the home
of every member; names and addresses to be pro-
vided by churches. Churches are billed quarterly.
Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists" are
sent to one individual who in turn distributes these. A
50 percent discount is offered under this plan.
Bookstore Hours: Ayden, Smithfield, and
Whiteville, 9 a.m.— 5 p.m.. Monday — Saturday.
New Bern, Wilson, and Kinston, 9:30 a.m.— 5 p.m.,
Monday — Saturday.
Board of Directors
Dewey Boling, President; C Felton Godwin, Vice
President; Ruth Taylor, Secretary; Adrian Grubbs,
Assistant Secretary; Robert May; Eddie Edwards,
Marice DeBruhl; James Billy Hardee; De Wayne
Eakes; David W. Hansley, Chairman Emeritus.
Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.: Cliff
Gray, Executive Director: Bobby Pennington,
Financial Director; Janie Jones Sowers. Editor of
Literature.
Editorial
Pressing On — No Matter What /
i
Riding into Ayden that morning, was difficult: we ha|
heard that the tornadoes had hit the area but we did not kno j
the extent of the damage. Several times we commented thjj
everything looked fine— and then we rounded our last curv
before reaching the Press— and words cannot be found to e:
plain what we saw and how we felt. Homes, which just the da
before stood diagonally across from the Press, were crushe
and mangled. Trees and branches littered the Press drive ant
parking lot; a rocking chair rested on the front lawn, ill
original locale not known.
From the vantage point of the Foundation's front dooi
devastation could be seen on every side. The fury of the gra|
funnel(s) had been unleashed and the wicked twister(s) ha;:
spent its (their) killing power in our neighborhood. Peopl
with whom we work, those we know and love, had been a]
fected. Many spoke of the awesome roar that still echoed il
their ears; some said the roar reverberated like a mightj
organ. Others compared it to the sound of many freight trainj
rumbling on a trail of destruction. Dazed crowds stood horrorj
stricken, staring. Where only minutes before homes and treej
had stood, there were none now. Where there had been life, thij
silence of death and loss only added to the existing nightmare
It seems as though no one was immune. Everyone related hi<
individual story, each more grotesque than the last one told.i
Yes, we have experienced something horrible, and the,
awesomeness of this experience will never be forgotten. Buf
all is not a total loss. Those of us still living can pick up tht;
pieces and go on, perhaps wiser and definitely much mor^
grateful, as a result.
Somehow, though, the promise that "everything is goinj
to be okay" sounds rather hollow to some. But faith is what m
needed. "There's one ingredient that mountain- moving faith!
miracle-generating faith, earth-shaking faith, and situation!
changing faith must have, and that ingredient is holding
power" (Robert Schuller).
It would be easy for us to become overwhelmed by what
we experienced that dreadful night; and doubtless, what wq
have been through will change us. But many possibilities arc
before us. And we can react positively or negatively. We neec
to realize that our attitudes are often our greatest problem, ii
is not easy to protect ourselves from the infection of negativcf
thinking, an infection which attacks our very being.
But we can be positive— no matter what we might be fac-!
ing.
We have to press on.
(The Press building suffered approximately $50,000 worth of\
damage during the March 28 storm. Although we have been
delayed and still have some problems to solve, we are
operating normally again.)
2
THE FREE WILL BAPT
SERVICES
CONTINUED
THROUGH
STORM
s i Lights went out, but sermon went on at Black Jack Church,
tien Governor Jim Hunt was speaker on Wednesday night, March
g! 198k, the night of the tornadoes.
The parchment-like pages rustled as members of the congrega-
'tin turned to page 449 in the hymnal. There was a moment of
dence, then the pianist struck up the first few bars of "To God Be
its Glory."
; To anyone standing outside the church, it would have sounded
3 l:e just another service. However, the guest speaker at Black Jack
i'ee Will Baptist Church Wednesday night was Governor Jim
1 Iant. And if that didn't make the night special enough, moments in-
t Hunt's talk, the lights of the church blinked and then went out. As
I jpurprised murmur went through the congregation, Hunt quipped
1 tat he hoped it wasn't an omen.
A Nevertheless, he continued, "I can't emphasize enough how
important the family is," Hunt told church members as ushers
flently placed lighted tapers on the podium to illuminate the gover-
Wpr's face. Further into his sermon, the stained-glass windows
l«gan to rattle, as a storm that included whistling winds, pelting
Lin and tornadoes that struck Pitt County Wednesday night moved
I. Except for an occasional nervous shuffle of feet, a cough and the
■)ice of the governor, the church was silent.
1 At the end of the service, the church pastor, Dr. Cedric Pierce,
ok the podium. "It's been a long time since we've seen a preacher
eliver a sermon by candlelight, but I'll bet none of you thought
[>u'd ever get to see the governor do it . . . Now if you Girl Scouts
jho were hoping to get a picture with Governor Hunt will pray real
krd, maybe the lights will come on." The lights came on briefly,
hen went out. "Now that's what I call an immediate answer to
rayer," Pierce said.
! Hunt stayed around to shake hands and talk with members of
le congregation after the service until news came that a tornado
a.d just moved through Simpson. Shortly thereafter, the governor
as taken to the Greenville Airport to catch his flight home. "It
>ok us over an hour to get him to the airport, because we wanted to
nd a safe route," Pierce said. "We didn't get there until 11:30, but
y that time the weather had cleared and it was safe enough for the
bvernor to fly back to Raleigh."
The Wednesday night program featuring Hunt was the climax
b the Black Jack Free Will Baptist Church's Special Family Month
feries of services. According to Pierce, other special guests this
lonth included Jack Richardson, Pitt County Memorial Hospital
dministrator; Judge Arnold Jones of Goldsboro, and the church's
outh director, the Rev. Stacey Carter.
Hunt declined to be interviewed after the service, saying, "This
3 not a political occasion."
—The Daily Reflector
FHE FREE WILL BAPTIST
Services were
held at Black
Jack Church,
as well as
many other
churches, while
the worst storm
system in 100
years crept up
on its prey.
IS IT TOO SOON
TO CELEBRATE?
Dr. Fred B. Craddock delivered the annual "Sprinkle Lectures" at Atlantic
Christian College, Wilson, North Carolina, in 1982.
In physical stature he is a small man. He stands on a wooden box when
preaching in order to see his congregation. When he begins to preach he becomes a
spiritual giant. You will enjoy this message and it will cause you to think.
As far as I know, nowhere to-
day are Christians meeting
after Easter to tell jokes as a
way of celebrating the Resur-
rection. There were times and
there were places in which
Christians met to celebrate the
joke that God played on the
devil by raising Jesus from the
dead. "He who sits in the
heavens laughs," they said,
and so they joined in the
laughter. I do not know if the
custom died or was killed. It
probably was killed by some-
one who thought that levity and
laughter hardly were ap-
propriate to a concern for the
sober business of the Kingdom
of God. And a weightier argu-
ment against a practice cannot
be conceived than that the
practice be regarded as lacking
in propriety.
Now I must confess this is for
me a rather recent conviction.
It was not so in my camel's hair
and leather girdle days. In that
youthful era when crudeness
and awkwardness were labeled
"prophetic," I asked with some
superiority, "What has pro-
priety to do with the Kingdom
of God?" Propriety rhymes
with society, and the im-
mediate image is that of a faint
little Fauntleroy trying to keep
both feet on the floor, use the
right fork, hold his cup just so,
and in general mind his man-
ners on the good ship Lollipop.
But what has all that to do with
the Word of God? The gospel is
made of sterner stuff.
Therefore, those of us con-
cerned with the Kingdom ought
to speak of taller things such as
right and wrong, good and evil,
true and false. Our time is con-
sumed with weighty matters;
none remains for "proper"
things.
However, more mature re-
flection has caused me to see
the devastation of a word or a
comment or an act that was im-
proper, inappropriate, out of
place. A marvelous evening
can be totally soured by a state-
ment that is not false, not
wrong, but just out of place.
When an usher, following a
worship service several years
ago, used a candle from the
altar to light his cigarette, I
recall no one saying that it was
evil or that it was false, but
they were no less angered by an
act that was regarded by those
standing around as out of place.
Out of place; isn't that what
junk is? Something good out of
place? You can take a doormat,
a lampshade, one shoe, one
glove, a key, and a wastebasket
and pile them in a heap in an
alley, and someone will come
along and remove the "junk."
But take each of those items
and put it back in its proper
place, and it is functional and it
is valuable. Out of place, isn't
that what evil is? Over the
counter in the battle against
pain and disease, it was called
medicine. On a dark street, in a
quick exchange between
strangers, it was called drugs.
The difference was a difference
of appropriateness. Such was
the wisdom of the ancient im-
age of Satan as a fallen angel,
an angel out of place.
On the other hand, who has
not felt the beauty and the
power of that which is prop},
that which is fitting, that whij
is appropriate? The appj
priate card, the appropritjg
word, or gift, or act are ''I
replaceably meaningful. A fi .
damental difference betwe*
an effective and an ineffectife
ministry is precisely this qusL
ty of being appropriate in wc(|
and act. A bereaved familyjj
helped immensely at a diffici
time not just because tU
minister spoke beautifully (r
even truly, but because ji
spoke fittingly. At a weddi;
the bride and groom knu
theirs is not just another we-
ding ceremony because t
words were appropriate ft
them. And from the pulpj,
whatever else you may say f
the Word of God, essential to L
definition is not simply that ity
true; many empty and powt.
less things can be said that aj
true. What makes it the Word '
God is that it is the proper, tlii
appropriate word, the wo:.l
that fits.
The issue of propriety Is,
back of the disagreement I;
tween a father and his son in,
story recorded in Luke 15. Tl
father had two sons; tl
younger one had returne
home, smelling of pigs ai
cheap perfume of harlot
wearing rags. And the fathj
rushed out to meet him, sayin
"Bring the rings, bring tlj
robe, bring the shoes, kill tl;
fatted calf, hire the musician;
bring in the dancers, there wi,
be a party tonight, because nq
son is home." "Now his eld<|
son was in the field, and as 1
came and drew near to tl!
house he heard music and dan)
ing. And he called one of tl
servants and asked what th
meant. And he said to hiri
'Your brother has come, an1
your father has killed the fatte
calf because he has receive
him safe and sound.' But 11
was angry and refused to go i)
His father came out and ei
treated him, but he answere
him, 'Lo, these many years
4
THE FREE WILL BAPTIS
jive served you and I have
ver disobeyed your com-
land, and yet you never gave
,je a kid, that I might make
Jerry with my friends. But
lien this son of yours came,
Jio has devoured your living
\ th harlots, you killed for him
te fatted calf.' And he said to
l|m, 'Son, you are always with
ije, and all that is mine is
jiurs. It was fitting to make
iserry and be glad, for this your
tyother was dead and is alive;
I was lost and is found.' "
jThe older son's question was
i good one. Is it fitting and
jioper to give a party for a
jfodigal? It hardly seems con-
jinial to our historic faith or
impropriate in a religion with a
(|nstant call to repentance and
iform. It hardly seems the
roper thing to do when our
iligion is so filled with the
loral earnestness of the
Cachings of Jesus himself. Do
ik misunderstand: neither
Adaism nor Christianity in
ilernest form has denied room
lir a returning prodigal. There
%s and is forgiveness, but it
]\s been customary to wrap
ijrgiveness of sin in sackcloth
ipt a bright robe, ashes not
jwelry, tears not wine, bread
ad water not fatted calf, kneel-
|g not dancing. Even the most
[berated and modern among us
lay have trouble fitting into
ijie frame the picture of a sin-
fir recovered from the error of
|s ways and balloons, con-
ftti, banquet tables, musi-
ans, and dancing. Honest feel-
gs prompt the question of the
ropriety of the whole event.
jOf course, there are some
pople who think a party is
jpver appropriate, regardless
| the circumstances. In cer-
iin cases, I think it is a per-
pality problem. Some folk
&ve personalities that give you
l^e impression that they are
j ways having to clean up after
j party to which they had not
pen invited. There are some
(hers who have no room for
te party because they think it
HE FREE WILL BAPTIST
is not practical. They are will-
ing to sell all the violins and buy
hammers and hoes, pull up the
roses and plant onions. For
these, a meadow is grass, a
forest is wood, and a sunrise is
the time to get up and go to
work. Everything can be
recorded under "Profit" or
"Loss." They want to do that
which counts, that which is
practical. A party is a waste.
There are some who think
favorably of a party, when it's
appropriate, when it fits, but
not now. This is not the time, it
would not be proper now. You
see, all parties are premature.
They have a point, you know;
all parties are a little bit too
soon, aren't they? How do you
know that the prodigal is not go-
ing to get a clean shirt and
leave again tomorrow? Don't
you think you're having this
party too soon? A wedding
should not be celebrated im-
mediately; how do you know
that the marriage will last? A
graduation party? Isn't it a lit-
tle early to be celebrating, you,
without a job yet, without any
secure future? So the doctor's
report is in, and you are in good
health? You had best wait to
celebrate good health; there
are so many germs, there is so
much disease. A birth in the
family, you say? Your party is
a bit premature. How do you
know how this child will turn
out? You know some girls get
into trouble when they're older.
How do you know this girl will
be what you want her to be? Or
this boy? Some youngsters
grow up to be totally worthless.
Don't you think this child is a
little young to be the occasion
for a party? Oh, there are some
folks who say we'll have a party
at the right time. But this is not
the right time.
There are some, however,
who find parties inappropriate
for deeper reasons. They feel
that the laughter, the music,
the dancing are so insensitive.
How can you be having this par-
ty and eating the fatted calf and
singing and dancing with so
much misery in the world? How
can you celebrate the warmth
of your fireplace when there
are so many who are cold? How
can you celebrate the warmth
of your clothing when there are
so many naked? How can you
celebrate the company of your
friends when there are so many
lonely people? How can you
celebrate all this good food with
so much hunger in the world?
Only the most insensitive could
have a party now. The Chris-
tian thing to do is to be
miserable. You do not have to
be so radical as to share your
food or clothing or house; just
don't enjoy them. Think of all
the starving in India as you
clean your plate. And certainly
it is not fitting that you
celebrate.
(Turn the Page)
A boy hears a parade. At
least he thinks it is a parade go-
ing down the street. He begins
to yell to his mother, "A
parade, a parade, a parade!"
He grabs his drum and sticks
and goes banging his drum out
the door, marching down the
walk to the curb. He doesn't
really notice the parade, how
slowly it moves. He doesn't
notice that the beautiful black
horse is without a rider, and the
boots are turned backwards in
the stirrups. He doesn't notice
that flag-draped caisson, mov-
ing slowly past his house. "A
parade, a parade!" and he
beats his drum in grand excite-
ment. His mother rushes from
the house and grabs the drum,
bursts the head of the drum,
and breaks the sticks. "It is not
fitting and proper for you to be
playing that drum today," and
she yanks him into the house.
Mary sits in Bethlehem and
sings lullabies to her beautiful
baby, Jesus. It is normal for a
happy young mother but how
can she do it? Violent Herod is
on the loose. Five miles away,
in Ramah, I heard a voice. It
was the voice of Rachel crying
for her children, and she would
not be consoled. Who has not
heard that wail, all over the
world, Rachel weeping for her
children, innocent victims of
violence and privation? So I
rushed to Bethlehem and I said
to Mary, "Hush, Mary, it isn't
proper for you to be singing to
your baby. Don't you know
about Rac 
Live Music Archive
Librivox Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Internet Arcade
Console Living Room
Books to Borrow
Open Library
TV News
Understanding 9/11